Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray has reached a significant milestone in his ACL recovery journey, as reported in a recent CBS Sports article. More than two and a half years after suffering the devastating knee injury in December 2022, Murray declares he's finally back to his pre-injury form, though he acknowledges some limitations may be permanent.
Murray's Recovery Assessment
The Cardinals quarterback provided an honest evaluation of his current condition, stating his knee is now "as close as it's going to get" to complete recovery. He admitted the injury's lasting impact:
"I feel like I'm back to where I was before that. [The knee] will probably never be the same as far as that goes."
Despite these limitations, Murray successfully completed his first full 17-game season since 2020, demonstrating remarkable durability and gradual improvement throughout the campaign.
Statistical Renaissance
Murray's 2024 performance showcased significant progress from his initial return in 2023. His 68.8% completion rate and 3,851 passing yards marked career-high achievements, while his 21 touchdown passes represented his best output since before the ACL tear. On the ground, Murray accumulated 572 rushing yards and five touchdowns, ranking second in his career totals.
The dual-threat capability that made Murray fantasy-relevant remains intact, as evidenced by his impressive Week 1 performance against the Rams, where he achieved a perfect passer rating while recording over 250 passing yards and 50 rushing yards.
Fantasy Football Implications
For fantasy managers, Murray's health update presents both opportunity and caution. His teammate Budda Baker praised Murray's offseason work, noting:
"He's kind of been in his bag this whole offseason, doing no-look throws and having a great offseason training camp. K1, he's going to run a little bit more."
Murray himself confirmed increased rushing potential, saying he could "definitely" be more of a running threat in 2025. This development is crucial for fantasy purposes, as his rushing production traditionally separated him from pocket passers.
Draft Strategy
Murray represents solid QB2 value in fantasy drafts, targeting rounds 7-9 in 12-team leagues. While he may never fully recapture his 2020 Pro Bowl form that averaged 23.67 fantasy points per game, his proven durability and dual-threat capabilities make him an attractive mid-tier option with weekly upside potential.
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