It was a slight surprise to see Kyler Murray listed as a full practice participant on Wednesday.
It is the star quarterback’s second week back on the practice field, and if he gets full reps on Thursday and Friday, it would seem to open up the possibility of a return to action against the Ravens on Sunday.
How realistic is it for Murray to make his season debut against Baltimore? It’s possible, but from what I have been told, it is unlikely to happen this week.
I can’t say with 100 percent certainty that Murray won’t play against the Ravens, as only he knows how the knee is responding to practice, but the plan has been for a longer ramp-up period.
I’m told the most likely scenario is several weeks of practice before a return to game action, with Nov. 12 at home against the Falcons a very real possibility. The Cardinals also have a Nov. 5 game in Cleveland against the Browns.
The return can be fluid depending on the way Murray’s knee responds each day and each week, but the word I’m getting is that the Baltimore game may be a bit too early.
One thing is for sure, though: Murray is lobbying hard to return as soon as possible. Even though the team is 1-6, he is itching to get back on the field.
However, it wouldn’t be wise for the Cardinals to to rush back their 26-year-old franchise signal-caller until he is 100 percent ready, and that will likely be part of the equation as the decision inches closer.
Another tidbit: Murray has been practicing without a brace and won’t be wearing one in games, per a source. That’s been the plan since the beginning of his rehab, and practicing without one is a good sign that Murray is feeling confident in his surgically repaired knee.
A long comeback journey is nearly complete. And while practicing in full is another very positive development, it still could be a couple weeks before Murray makes his long-awaited return to game action.
