The Arizona Cardinals' playoff hopes could be teetering on the edge as their star quarterback Kyler Murray grapples with a nagging foot injury – but will he suit up for the crucial Week 6 clash against the Indianapolis Colts? It's a question that's got fans on the edge of their seats, and we're diving deep into the latest updates to find out.
Reporting from Tempe, Arizona, on October 8, 2025, at 2:04 PM ET, this is Josh Weinfuss, a dedicated staff writer at ESPN specializing in the Arizona Cardinals and the broader NFL scene. With over a decade of experience covering the Cardinals since 2012 and joining ESPN in 2013, I'm proud to be part of the Pro Football Writers of America and a graduate of Indiana University. Let's break down the situation with Kyler Murray, whose availability for the upcoming game against the Indianapolis Colts remains uncertain after sustaining a foot injury during Sunday's narrow 22-21 defeat to the Tennessee Titans.
According to head coach Jonathan Gannon, Murray won't be participating in Wednesday's practice session, and his condition is being monitored on a day-to-day basis throughout the week. For those new to football lingo, 'day-to-day' simply means the team is evaluating him play by play, with no long-term prognosis yet – it's a common term that keeps everyone guessing until closer to game time.
When asked whether Murray's ability to move around the field – or the lack of it – would influence the decision on his participation on Sunday, Gannon kept it straightforward: 'If he's healthy enough to play, he'll play.' It's a classic coach's response, emphasizing readiness over risk, but here's where it gets controversial – is pushing an injured player worth the potential long-term damage to a franchise quarterback? Many fans and experts debate this, weighing short-term wins against career longevity.
Murray exited the game late in the third quarter of the Titans matchup, heading to the locker room for a brief stint before returning for the final plays. Despite the setback, he's been a force this season, racking up 962 passing yards on 110 completions out of 161 attempts, with six touchdowns and just three interceptions. On the ground, he's added 29 carries for 173 yards and another score, showcasing his dual-threat prowess that makes him such a dynamic player.
And this is the part most people miss – if Murray can't go, the Cardinals will turn to Jacoby Brissett as their starting quarterback. Brissett, signed as a free agent during the offseason, brings a wealth of experience and professionalism to the role. Gannon praised him as a 'true pro' during Wednesday's presser, highlighting how rare it is for a backup to handle the pressure of being just one play away from taking over.
'I know that term gets thrown around, but when you're in his seat – all our guys – but the quarterback position is the hardest position in sports, and to know that you're one play away from your role changing, you really do got to be on the details like you're the starter and he has a smile on his face,' Gannon explained. 'He loves to practice, he loves to prepare, he loves to play.' It's a testament to Brissett's dedication, and it raises an interesting counterpoint: in an era where backups are often criticized for not being 'elite,' could Brissett's steady approach actually be the secret weapon the Cardinals need? Some might argue that a reliable veteran like him is more valuable than a flashy but inconsistent starter – what do you think?
As the week unfolds, all eyes will be on Murray's recovery. Will the Cardinals risk their young gunslinger, or play it safe with Brissett? Do you believe coaches should prioritize player health over wins, or is toughing it out part of the game's spirit? Share your thoughts in the comments – agree or disagree, let's discuss!
