Arizona Cardinals training camp: Observations from the media room
Arizona Republic sports writers Theo Mackie and Bob McManaman discuss their observations from the Arizona Cardinals Red & White practice
Kyler Murray will not play in any of the Arizona Cardinals’ three preseason games, head coach Jonathan Gannon said Tuesday. The team opens its preseason slate Saturday against the Saints.
Murray returned from a torn ACL last November. Over the final eight games of the season, he completed 65.7% of his passes and averaged 224.9 passing yards per game with 10 touchdowns and five interceptions. He has looked sharper than that early in training camp, showing a strong rapport with Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson.
“I like where he’s at right now,” Gannon said, explaining the decision to hold Murray out of preseason. “I like how the offense is operating and I think he will get done everything that he needs to get done to be the best version of himself on Opening Day.”
Murray has only sporadically participated in the preseason since his rookie season when he played three games of what was then a four-game preseason schedule. The 2020 preseason was canceled due to COVID-19. In 2021, he played in one game, attempting four passes. In 2022, he didn’t play. Last season, he was out with his ACL injury.
Gannon said preseason playing time decisions are “case by case,” depending on age, health and whether players are competing for roles. That said, he did add that there is a benefit to playing in preseason.
“When you want to do evaluation, the closest thing you can get to what it’s gonna look like vs. Buffalo is these preseason games,” Gannon said. “So our guys know what’s expected, what we’re looking for, what needs to get done to win the game. But they’re competing for their roles still and it’ll be good. But I think by Friday, they’ll be sick of hitting each other so it’ll be a good little evaluation and test and they’ll be juiced for it.”
Gannon did not say whether any other Cardinals will sit out of preseason games. He was asked explicitly whether Harrison will play Saturday. Gannon said he has made that decision, but he did not expand on what that decision is.
Earlier in camp, Gannon said he thinks Harrison “needs to get out there and play.” Harrison, too, said he would like to play in preseason.
“Hopefully I get to play,” Harrison said. “I definitely want to play, get out there, always compete.”
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Publish date : 2024-08-06 10:08:00
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