Who Should I Start? Kyler Murray or J.J. McCarthy

Monday, December 1, 6:48 PM

Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said on Monday that surgery isn't currently on the table for quarterback Kyler Murray (foot), according to Tyler Drake of Arizona Sports. "To my knowledge, not right now. That's as honest as I can answer it. I have not heard that. No," Gannon said. Murray is eligible to be activated from Injured Reserve, but the Cardinals will not open his 21-day practice window this week because he's simply not ready to return to practice following his foot sprain back in the Week 5 loss to the Tennessee Titans. The 28-year-old will not return this week when the team faces the division-rival Los Angeles Rams, and it remains to be seen if he'll be in play for Week 15 versus the Houston Texans. The Cardinals have been non-committal on whether Murray will even take the starting QB job back from Jacoby Brissett, who has led a much more explosive offensive attack with Murray sidelined.

Thursday, December 4, 4:27 PM

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy has been cleared from the NFL's concussion protocol, per ESPN's Kevin Seifert. The 22-year-old missed Minnesota's Week 13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, but it appears he's on track to return to the field for the team's Week 14 matchup against the Washington Commanders. McCarthy has struggled mightily across six starts this season, completing 54.1% of his pass attempts for 929 yards, six touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. However, with McCarthy injured in Week 13, backup quarterback Max Brosmer threw four interceptions and Minnesota was shut out by the Seattle Seahawks. McCarthy at least remains a credible threat with his legs, as he's rushed for 120 yards and two touchdowns on 23 rushing attempts this season. He profiles as a low-end fantasy QB2 in Week 14 against Washington.