NFC West Injury Updates & Insights: Murray’s Timeline, Lake’s Recovery, Bradford’s Development
Let’s take a spin around the NFC West, where playoff hopes are still alive and roster health is becoming a major storyline. From Arizona’s cautious approach with Kyler Murray to the Rams holding out hope for a key defensive piece in January, and Seattle leaning on a young offensive lineman through a bruising stretch - here’s what’s happening.
Cardinals Taking It Slow with Kyler Murray
The Cardinals aren’t quite ready to open the practice window for quarterback Kyler Murray, according to head coach Jonathan Gannon. And while that might be frustrating for fans eager to see their franchise QB back in action, it’s clear the team is playing the long game here.
“We’re not quite there yet,” Gannon said.
That’s a telling quote. Arizona isn’t rushing anything - and they shouldn’t.
Murray’s return is about more than just getting back on the field; it’s about making sure he’s fully ready, physically and mentally, to lead this team long-term. With the Cardinals in a transitional phase, there’s no need to force the issue.
When Murray does return, it needs to be on solid footing - not just for this season, but for the seasons to come.
Rams Hope Quentin Lake Can Return - But Only If January Football Is in the Cards
Safety Quentin Lake has been a steady presence in the Rams’ secondary, but he’s currently on injured reserve following an elbow injury suffered in Week 11. The good news?
His surgery went well. The not-so-good news?
A return during the regular season seems unlikely.
“He’s been around, he’s been in good spirits,” Sean McVay said on the Coach McVay Show. “The hope is, if you earn the right to play afterwards, then he’ll get a chance to be able to join us then.”
Translation: Lake’s return is probably tied to whether or not the Rams make the playoffs. And if they do?
He could be a sneaky important piece to get back in the mix. Lake has shown real growth this season, and his versatility on the back end adds depth and flexibility to a defense that’s already outperforming expectations.
The Rams are in the thick of the postseason hunt, and if they can punch a ticket, getting Lake back could be a timely boost - especially in matchups where coverage depth and tackling in space become even more critical.
Seahawks Leaning on Anthony Bradford, But Want More Consistency
Seattle’s offensive line has been a revolving door this season due to injuries, but one constant has been rookie right guard Anthony Bradford. He’s started all 12 games - no small feat for a first-year lineman in a division loaded with elite defensive fronts.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald sees potential in Bradford’s game, but he’s also not sugarcoating it: the fundamentals need tightening.
“AB is doing some good things, he really is,” Macdonald said. “There’s some really good plays on there. And there’s some not so good plays.”
That’s the reality with young linemen - the flashes are there, but the margin for error is razor-thin in the trenches. Macdonald pointed to “quick losses” that have shown up on tape, the kind of breakdowns that can kill a drive before it gets going.
The message is clear: Bradford’s shown he belongs, but now it’s about stacking solid reps, cleaning up technique, and proving he can be a long-term fixture on this line. With Seattle still battling for playoff positioning, every snap matters - and Bradford’s development is happening in real time, under real pressure.
Bottom Line
As we head down the stretch, every team in the NFC West is facing its own version of the same challenge: managing injuries while staying competitive. The Cardinals are keeping the future in mind with Murray.
The Rams are hoping for a healthy Lake if they earn a postseason shot. And the Seahawks are riding with a young guard who's learning on the fly.
December football is all about attrition - and how well teams adapt. The next few weeks will reveal who’s built to last.