(Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
The Arizona Cardinals have received a lot of media attention lately.
Many analysts have questioned their offseason moves, particularly regarding their quarterback situation.
The Cardinals haven’t named a starting quarterback for their Week 1 matchup, leaving fans hanging by a thread.
This is largely due to the status of franchise star Kyler Murray, whose return to play is largely unknown.
In a recent segment of the Pat McAfee Show, Michael Lombardi gave his opinion on the situation.
Lombardi doesn’t think Murray will play this year, saying, “Lateral quickness is his game, and coming off an ACL if he doesn’t have his quickness or speed, he isn’t the same player.”
“I still think Kyler Murray doesn’t play this year..
Lateral quickness is his game and coming off an ACL if he doesn’t have his quickness or speed he isn’t the same player” @mlombardiNFL #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/sUURpZO1VV
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) September 5, 2023
Murray quickly took over as the franchise star for the Cardinals due to his quickness and elite ball placement.
He was able to evade tacklers, rushing for significant yardage at a moment’s notice.
However, Lombardi believes he won’t be the same player, especially if he takes the field in 2023.
As evidenced by recent examples in the NFL, every athlete recovers from ACL injuries differently.
Joe Burrow tore his ACL in 2020 but has bounced back nicely for the Cincinnati Bengals.
The same cannot be said for everyone, as this has been a career-ending injury for other athletes.
If Murray sits out for the entire 2023 season, it could give him the extra time he needs to heal to get back on his feet for the 2024 campaign.
Of course, sitting out will likely mean another season under .500 for the Cardinals, potentially putting them in a position to draft a top-three QB.
The post Analyst Makes A Prediction About Kyler Murray This Season appeared first on The Cold Wire.