Cardinals QB shakeup: Kyler Murray to start season on PUP list, Colt McCoy released

The quarterback room of the Arizona Cardinals is going to look very different for the first quarter of the season.

According to ESPN, the team does not plan to activate Kyler Murray, who suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in December, from the physically unable to perform list ahead of a Tuesday deadline that will keep him out at least the first four games of 2023. Previously, the Cardinals would've turned to 36-year-old veteran backup Colt McCoy, who started six games over the past two seasons for Arizona. The Cardinals, however, announced Monday that they have released McCoy, setting the stage for a couple of unproven players to start the season.

Arizona acquired quarterback Josh Dobbs on Thursday in a trade with the Cleveland Browns, and the Cardinals have also turned to fifth-round rookie Clayton Tune during the preseason. It is expected that either Dobbs or Tune will begin the season under center for Arizona.

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McCoy struggled during the preseason, completing 9-of-12 passes for only 42 yards, though reports from practices were that the offense appeared disjointed with him as the quarterback. In his career, McCoy has completed 62.6% of his passes for 7,975 yards and 34 touchdowns against 32 interceptions.

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The Cardinals are entering the first season under rookie coach Jonathan Gannon and new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing.

Dobbs, 28, has bounced around the league as a backup and has not been able to find much playing time. Last season, with the Tennessee Titans, Dobbs earned his first two career starts and finished the season with a 58.8% completion rate, 411 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.

Tune, 24, was the No. 139 overall selection in April and completed 24-of-59 throws during the preseason for 353 yards with one touchdown and one interception.

Once Murray is deemed healthy enough to return, it is expected that he will resume his role as the starter. Arizona opens its season Sept. 10 at the Washington Commanders.