The Arizona Cardinals are officially shutting down Kyler Murray for the rest of the season. Head coach Jonathan Gannon confirmed on December 5 that Murray’s foot injury hasn’t healed enough for him to return, meaning the franchise quarterback will miss the final stretch, including a Week 17 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.
That puts veteran Jacoby Brissett in line to continue as the Cardinals’ starting quarterback. Brissett has already started the last seven games and has quietly been solid under center. Over that span, he’s thrown for 2,188 yards, 13 touchdowns, and just four interceptions - a steady hand for an offense that’s been trying to find its rhythm all season.
Interestingly, Brissett could be facing the Bengals for the first time since Week 1 of the 2024 season, when he helped the New England Patriots pull off a surprising upset over Cincinnati. Now in a Cardinals uniform, he’ll look to replicate that success against a Bengals team that’s fighting to stay in the playoff picture.
Looking ahead to Week 18, the Bengals might have another quarterback challenge on their hands. The Browns announced on December 3 that Deshaun Watson’s 21-day practice window has officially opened. That gives Cleveland a three-week stretch to evaluate whether Watson is healthy enough to return to the field before the season wraps up.
If Watson is cleared, it would set up a high-stakes divisional showdown to close the regular season. But for now, all eyes are on Brissett and the Cardinals as they prepare for a Bengals defense that’s likely to bring the heat.