Kyler Murray is answering the call of duty.
In December 2022, the Cardinals' starting quarterback suffered a knee injury that could have kept him out for the duration of the 2023 season. But Murray is back at practice, gearing up to help the pesky Cardinals play spoiler the remainder of the season.
Arizona is just 1-5 on the season and has lost its last three games, but the team has been feisty with Joshua Dobbs under center. While Dobbs will likely get a bit more run over the coming weeks, the Cardinals are almost certain to hand the keys back to Murray when the time is right.
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Arizona's offense has been better than expected with Dobbs under center. The Redbirds rank 20th in the NFL in points scored, but 15th in yards and have one of the NFL's more efficient rushing attacks. Murray's return will only boost the offense in a much-needed way.
Here's what to know about Murray's on-field return, his injury recovery and more:
Kyler Murray return
Kyler Murray returned to practice on Oct. 18, just over 10 months after he tore the ACL in his right knee. With his 21-day practice window now open, he could take up to three weeks to fully ramp up before taking the field with the Cardinals again.
Practicing today
— Kyler Murray (@K1) October 18, 2023
Murray is eligible to return at any time with his 21-day window now open. That means he could start in any one of the Cardinals' next three games: at the Seahawks in Week 7, vs. the Ravens in Week 8 or at the Browns in Week 9.
If Murray isn't back on the team's 53-man roster at the end of the practice window, then he won't be able to return to the team this year. That said, it's apparent that the team wants Murray back, and with him back on the practice field, the passer is nearing a return.
What is Kyler Murray's injury?
Murray suffered a torn ACL in his right knee in the Cardinals' Week 14 "Monday Night Football" loss to the Patriots on Dec. 12. That ended Murray's season, forcing him into surgery and a lengthy recovery.
Typically, recovery from a torn ACL can take anywhere from nine months to a year. It's been 10 months since Murray suffered the injury, so expect to see him back on the field at some point in the coming weeks as he continues to rehab and recover.
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Kyler Murray contract
In 2022, Murray signed an extension with the Cardinals worth $230.5 million, with $160 million of that money guaranteed. Murray's extension kicks off in 2024 and runs through the 2028 season, when he'll turn 31.
Here's how Murray's contract extension breaks down beginning in 2024 (figures via Spotrac):
| Year | Base salary | Cap hit | Cash AAV |
| 2024 | $37 million | $51.857 million | $35,950,000 |
| 2025 | $17 million | $45.614 million | $35,114,375 |
| 2026 | $22.835 million | $55.549 million | $36,600,000 |
| 2027 | $19.5 million | $43.535 million | $36,555,833 |
| 2028 | $34 million | $46.350 million | $37,955,000 |
Cardinals QB depth chart
Without Murray, the team was a little light on passing talent. Still, Joshua Dobbs has risen to the occasion and has been a serviceable passer in Murray's absence.
Prior to Dobbs' elevation to QB1, the team also rostered Colt McCoy. McCoy was released prior to the start of the season, leaving just Dobbs and rookie QB Clayton Tune as the team's lone passers on the 53-man roster. Veteran passer Jeff Driskel remains on the team's practice squad.
Here's how the Cardinals QB room fills out:
| Rank | Quarterback |
| 1 | Joshua Dobbs |
| 2 | Clayton Tune |
| PS | Jeff Driskel |
| IR | Kyler Murray |