Cardinals’ Quarterback Maneuvering
A week after a lackluster attempt by the Ravens to mislead the Bears regarding quarterback Lamar Jackson’s status while Tyler Huntley was primed to play, the Cardinals seem to be executing their own version of a deceptive strategy.
Quarterback Workouts
This Wednesday, the Cardinals evaluated three quarterbacks: Jeff Driskel, Kyle Trask, and Logan Woodside. On Thursday, head coach Jonathan Gannon revealed to the press that the team is preparing Kyler Murray to return as the starter for the Monday night game against the Cowboys, following his absence due to a foot sprain. However, they also canceled Murray’s scheduled press conference that day.
Conflicting Information
According to Darren Urban from the team’s official site, a “quarterback” will be made available to the media later this week. In contrast, last week the Ravens allowed Huntley to speak to reporters while leaving Jackson silent, a move that technically breached NFL media policies.
Injury Report Expectations
The Cardinals are expected to release an injury report on Thursday, likely listing Murray as “limited” in his participation. He may retain this “limited” status into Friday and Saturday, eventually earning a “questionable” label leading up to the game. The Cowboys and the public will find out on game day whether Murray or Jacoby Brissett will take the field.
Compliance with NFL Rules
As long as the Cardinals do not categorize Murray as a “full” participant unless he has completed all first-team drills, they will be compliant with NFL regulations. The Ravens faced backlash recently due to a mistake regarding Jackson’s practice participation, which contributed to their failed strategy.
Flaws in the Current System
The Cardinals’ strategic misdirection reveals inherent flaws in the current injury reporting rules, highlighting the significance of the Ravens’ blunder. Even while adhering to these rules — and thus keeping the Cowboys in suspense — it ultimately provides substantial information on which quarterback may be fielded, demonstrating a need for a reevaluation of the existing policies.
Call for Policy Reform
The injury report policy aims to preserve public trust in the NFL’s integrity, asserting that teams must disclose vital information related to player availability. Given the recent antics involving the Ravens and the Cardinals, it becomes evident that these rules require a comprehensive overhaul sooner rather than later.
