Kyler Murray Out Week 1, and Cardinals Won't Announce Starter Yet

Jonathan Gannon is playing his cards close to his chest when it comes to Arizona’s QB situation.

Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray will remain on the PUP list for the start of the 2023 NFL season, head coach Jonathan Gannon stated Monday, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. 

With Murray still on the mend from the ACL injury that ended his season early in 2022, Arizona has yet to name a starting quarterback for Week 1. 

Gannon indicated he’s going to keep it that way, in order to gain some level of competitive advantage ahead of the Cardinals’ season opener against the Commanders on Sunday, Sept. 10. 

“I’m not gonna name a starter,” said Gannon. 

With Murray unavailable, Arizona has three quarterbacks on the roster who could potentially be named the starter; David Blough, 2023 fifth-round pick Clayton Tune, and Joshua Dobbs. 

Dobbs was traded to the Cardinals from the Browns just last week, and could potentially be in contention to start in Arizona. For now, at least, Gannon is playing his cards close to his chest when it comes to naming his starter.

In terms of the group’s experience, Blough’s seven NFL starts are the most. Dobbs has started two games in his career, while Tune is a rookie. 

Murray remaining on PUP beyond Tuesday’s 4:00 p.m. EST deadline means he’ll be unavailable for the first four weeks of the season. In addition to Week 1’s tilt against Washington, the Cardinals are scheduled to face the Giants, Cowboys, and 49ers before the former No. 1 pick is eligible to return.