Kyler Murray’s shoulder issue could help Patriots catch a big break
By Jerry Trotta
Cardinals QB Kyler Murray’s shoulder injury could help the Patriots in a big way.
The New England Patriots’ loss to the Houston Texans this past Sunday looks so much worse when you realize that they have a date with the well-rested Arizona Cardinals this weekend.
When you take a look at the similarities quarterbacks Deshaun Watson and Kyler Murray share — they are two of the most mobile QBs in the NFL — you’ll also realize that the Patriots’ floundering defense could be in for another long day at the office.
For those fans who need a reminder, Watson did whatever he wanted against New England, completing 28-of-37 passes for 344 yards and two touchdowns, adding 36 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
However, the Patriots might just catch a big break this weekend as Murray’s status for the game is still uncertain in light of the shoulder injury he suffered last Thursday against Seattle. In fact, the vagueness behind Cardinals head coach Kliff Kinsbury’s comments about the 23-year-old superstar indicate that it might come down to a game-time decision.
Kliff Kingsbury, asked his level of concern that Kyler Murray (right shoulder) will be cleared for action Sunday, says: "We're going to see today how he progresses. I feel positive, but we want to make sure he's able to play his game and play at a high level."
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) November 25, 2020
We would be surprised if Murray isn’t given the green light, and if he is, Patriots fans can definitely take solace in the fact that he won’t be at 100%. After all, he wasn’t close to his normal self against Seattle in Week 11 after coming down with the injury.
In that game, Murray finished 29-of-42 for 269 yards and two touchdowns. Those numbers are obviously nothing to scoff at, but those who watched the game could tell he didn’t look comfortable in the pocket and was aiming to run more often than usual.
The 2019 top overall pick was also spotted grabbing his shoulder after a number of throws as the game went on. It’s still too early to tell if he’ll be cleared in time for Sunday, but the fact that Arizona is mulling whether to have three quarterbacks on their active roster confirms that the coaching staff and medical team is concerned.
Kingsbury said there has been discussion about having all three quarterbacks active on Sunday because of Kyler Murray's shoulder injury.
— Kyle Odegard (@Kyle_Odegard) November 25, 2020
If we’re being honest, a banged up Murray is still more than capable of beating this Patriots team — man, that hurts to admit — but it would no doubt give them a better chance at pulling off the upset. And if he isn’t able to go? Well, then we definitely like the Pats’ chances.
We’ll provide more updates on Murray’s progress (or lack thereof) as we inch closer to the weekend, so stay tuned.
