Tag: Brissett

Cardinals rule out Kyler Murray for season; future in doubt

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray’s season is over, igniting debate about whether he might ever play in Arizona again.

Head coach Jonathan Gannon did not commit to Murray when asked if he’d be the team’s quarterback in 2026.

“I’m worried about the Rams,” Gannon said Friday before Arizona’s final practice prior to the Week 14 game against Matthew Stafford and Los Angeles (9-3) in Glendale, Ariz.

Out since Oct. 5 with a foot injury, Murray is on injured reserve but the door was left open for his possible return next week. That speculation was muted Friday when Gannon confirmed Murray is done for the year.

“Kyler will not play again this year,” Gannon said Friday. “He had some more tests done this week, went out of state, got another opinion on it. It’s not progressing where it’s going to make sense that he can go.”

Gannon publicly remained committed to Murray having the quarterback job most of October and November when pressed by media about the situation.

Murray created a stir Thursday night when he posted a video to TikTok with the phrase “weird year” over a photo of a shirtless Murray walking off the football field. The caption below the image read “Never again.”

As for where the Cardinals stand on Murray’s future, Gannon said the franchise is focused on Murray’s health.

“I just feel bad for the quarterback. He got hurt,” Gannon said. “Wasn’t healthy enough to play. That’s first and foremost. That’s where I would leave it right now.”

Jacoby Brissett is starting in Murray’s place but isn’t viewed as a long-term option.

Whether Murray still fits that description is open to discussion. He’s 28 and has four 20-TD seasons. He played well enough for the Cardinals to compete before his Oct. 5 injury in a loss to the Tennessee Titans.

He had six touchdown passes and three interceptions in five games in 2025.

The first player in league history with 70 TD passes and 20 rushing touchdowns before the end of his third season, Murray was the No. 1 pick in the 2019 draft and Offensive Rookie of the Year with Kliff Kingsbury calling the shots.

Injury history and team success are factors the Cardinals likely will consider before deciding when to write his next check.

He played in all 17 games in 2024 but a total of 13 in 2023 (eight) and 2025 (five).

Moving on from Murray comes at a steep cost. Releasing him outright comes with a cap charge over $55 million and all of his guaranteed $36.7 million salary in 2026.

Trading him activates guarantees in 2027 — starting with a base salary of $19.5 million — for the acquiring team, unless the two sides reach a restructured, extended contract with even more promises to the player.

–Field Level Media

Cardinals QB Jacoby Brissett will start vs. Seahawks

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Arizona Cardinals will start Jacoby Brissett at quarterback for the fourth consecutive game when they visit the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.

Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon announced the decision Tuesday, one day after Brissett guided Arizona to a 27-17 road victory over the Dallas Cardinals. The 32-year-old passed for 261 yards and two touchdowns against Dallas.

Kyler Murray (foot) was injured during a loss to the Tennessee Titans on Oct. 5 and hasn’t played since. The Cardinals (3-5) have felt Murray was close to a return in recent weeks but there have also been reports suggesting Murray could be sidelined for up to eight weeks.

Gannon hasn’t ruled out the possibility of Murray going on injured reserve. He also said Tuesday that Brissett would be the starting quarterback against Seattle even if Murray was healthy.

“It’s a hypothetical to me, but yeah, I like where we are at with the offense moving forward,” Gannon said.

Brissett, 32, has passed for 860 yards and six touchdowns in his three starts. He also had been intercepted just once.

The Cardinals are averaging 25.7 points per game under Brissett with a low output of 23 games.

In Murray’s five starts, Arizona averaged 20.6 points and scored more than 21 points just once.

“I do like how we are operating as an offense,” Gannon said. “In my mind I take all the variables in my decision and make the decision when I need to. I think we’re doing a pretty good job on offense.”

The strength of Seattle’s defense also influenced the decision.

“This week’s going to be a new challenge,” Gannon said. “In my opinion, the tape that I’ve watched so far, this is the best defense that we have faced, so it’ll be a big time challenge, especially at their place.”

Immediately after Monday’s victory, Gannon asserted that Murray would be the starter when healthy.

Gannon told reporters Tuesday that he spoke to Murray about the situation.

“He’s doing well. He wants to be out there,” Gannon said of Murray. “He’s a competitor. I talked to him today, but he’s a good teammate and he’s working to get healthy.”

Murray, 28, has completed 68.3% of his passes for 962 yards with six touchdowns and three interceptions in five starts this season. The two-time Pro Bowl selection has rushed for a team-high 173 yards and one score.

–Field Level Media

Cardinals coach: Kyler Murray still starting QB when healthy

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon shot down questions of a permanent quarterback change on Monday night, moments after Jacoby Brissett led the team to a 27-17 victory over the Dallas Cowboys.

Gannon was quick with an answer when asked if he would keep Brissett as the team’s starter in place of Kyler Murray when the latter returns to health.

“Nothing’s changed on that,” Gannon said. “That’s how I feel.”

Reporters began to ask follow-up questions before Gannon pulled the plug on the topic.

“I’ve got nothing to add on that, guys,” Gannon said. “Like I said, nothing’s changed.”

Brissett completed 21 of 31 passes for 261 yards and two touchdowns to help the Cardinals (3-5) snap a five-game losing skid on Monday.

Arizona visits the NFC West co-leading Seattle Seahawks (6-2) on Sunday.

Brissett, 32, has thrown for 860 yards with six touchdowns with one interception in three games in place of Murray, who has missed the past three games since injuring the foot during a Week 5 home loss to the Tennessee Titans.

Murray, 28, has completed 68.3% of his passes for 962 yards with six touchdowns and three interceptions in five starts this season. The two-time Pro Bowl selection has rushed for a team-high 173 yards and one score.

–Field Level Media

Sep 25, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) and Jacoby Brissett (7) against the Seattle Seahawks at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Cardinals QB Kyler Murray (foot) misses second straight practice

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray missed his second straight day of practice on Thursday, stemming from the foot injury he sustained during Sunday’s loss to the Tennessee Titans.

Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon said Wednesday the club is taking Murray’s situation “day by day.”

Arizona (2-3) has lost three straight contests — each on a game-ending field goal — entering Sunday’s road game against the Indianapolis Colts (4-1).

Murray briefly exited last weekend’s 22-21 loss to the Titans, missing two snaps before returning to the field.

Murray, 28, has not missed a game since sitting out Weeks 1-9 in 2023 while recovering from surgery for a torn ACL.

Veteran Jacoby Brissett relieved Murray against the Titans and would be the next man up against the Colts.

Brissett, 32, has started 53 regular-season games in his NFL career and has a 19-34 record.

Brissett made 30 starts for the Colts from 2017-20 and the team went 11-19.

Murray has completed 68.3 percent of his passes for 962 yards with six touchdowns and three interceptions in five starts this season. He has rushed for 173 yards and one score.

Arizona could elevate quarterback Kedon Slovis from the practice squad to be the backup. He hasn’t played in an NFL game but passed for 11,689 yards, 80 touchdowns and 39 interceptions from 2019-23 for Southern California, Pitt and BYU.

–Field Level Media

Sep 29, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) during warmups before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images

Patriots tout new QB1 Drake Maye’s ability to make ‘plays you see on TV’

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Rookie quarterback Drake Maye became the best option at the position for the Patriots due to modest gains made by New England during a 1-4 start with Jacoby Brissett as QB1.

The No. 3 pick in the 2024 draft, Maye was informed he would make his first career start after the Patriots lost a fourth consecutive game and failed to score 14 points for the third straight week. New England has five total touchdowns and 62 points in five games to open Jerod Mayo’s first season as head coach.

“Something you dream of, getting your first start in the NFL,” Maye said Wednesday. “So excited to get out there with the guys, take advantage of having the full week to get prepared and try to put my best foot forward and help the team win.”

The Patriots welcome the Houston Texans (4-1), who have won back-to-back games by scoring on the final possession. New England is looking to avoid losing five consecutive games for the second season in a row.

Houston leads the NFL in QB pressure rate at 42 percent and limited Bills quarterback Josh Allen to nine completions in 30 attempts last week. In his five starts in 2024, Brissett was sacked 17 times but threw only one interception.

“Going forward, I think now Drake gives us the best chance to win now and going forward,” Mayo said Wednesday. “He’s been getting better every single week as I said before. At the end of training camp, he actually was trending at a very high rate, and that has continued through the early part of the season.

“Physically, look, this guy definitely gives us a chance to kind of get some of those off-schedule plays that you guys always see on TV.”

–Field Level Media

Jun 12, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) and quarterback Jacob y Brissett (14) throw passes at minicamp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

Patriots coach: ‘Drake has outplayed Jacoby’

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Patriots coach Jerod Mayo said rookie Drake Maye “outplayed” veteran Jacoby Brissett in the preseason but he is still not ready to name a starting quarterback.

“What I will say is this is a true competition and I would say, at this current point, Drake has outplayed Jacoby,” the New England coach said during Monday morning’s appearance on WEEI. “Now, in saying that, we have to take in the full body of work, going all the way back to the spring and beginning of training camp. And, we’ll see where we end up. But, those are the conversations that will happen here over the next couple of days.”

Maye, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, completed 61.8 percent of his passes for 192 yards and a touchdown in three preseason games. Brissett completed just 35.7 percent of his attempts for 36 yards and an interception.

Maye also rushed seven times for 34 yards and a touchdown.

During a conference call with reporters Monday, Mayo said he hopes to name a starter “over the next couple of days.”

“I think there are multiple factors that kind of have to go into this decision,” Mayo said. “One is the total body of work, whether we’re talking about the spring or the entirety of training camp. And now, I’d also say oftentimes we forget about just the overall experience that a guy like Jacoby has, which will also be weighted in the decision that we have to make here in the near future.

“But I’m happy with the way those guys are battling it out, and hopefully over the next couple of days, we can name the starter and get the season rolling.”

The Patriots open the regular season on the road against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 8.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are the only other NFL team that had not named a starting quarterback as of Monday morning.

–Field Level Media

Sep 24, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (14) and quarterback Jacoby Brissett (12) on the field before the game against the Buffalo Bills at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Commanders, Ron Rivera waiting another day to name starting QB

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera plans to identify a starting quarterback for Week 18 on Wednesday.

With the franchise in the grips of a seven-game losing streak, Rivera grasps this decision for Washington (4-12) in the season finale against the Dallas Cowboys could also be his last game as Commanders head coach.

“Well, I’d like to think we’re in a better place,” Rivera said Tuesday when asked if the franchise is better off than when he was hired Jan. 2, 2020. “Probably a fairer way to say it. I most certainly do appreciate my time here, and we’ll see what happens. And again, we’ll focus on what’s coming first on Sunday, and that’s getting ready for Dallas.”

Jacoby Brissett was named starter for Week 17 against the San Francisco 49ers, but Sam Howell got the call on gameday because Brissett aggravated a hamstring injury and was inactive.

The Cowboys (11-5) beat the Commanders 45-10 on Thanksgiving Day and can claim the NFC East division title by sweeping Washington.

Howell made his first career start against the Cowboys in Week 18 last season and led the Commanders to a 26-6 win.

Howell has 20 touchdowns, a league-worst 19 interceptions and has been sacked a league-high 61 times this season.

Brissett has three touchdowns and no interceptions, completing 18 of his 23 pass attempts this season.

–Field Level Media

Dec 24, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jacoby Brissett (12) throws the ball during the second half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Commanders add QB Jacoby Brissett (hamstring) to injury report

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Washington Commanders quarterback Jacoby Brissett is questionable for Sunday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers due to a hamstring injury.

Brissett reported tightness in his hamstring after practice on Thursday, one day after the team announced that he was replacing Sam Howell as the starter.

Brissett received treatment on Thursday and Friday, when he was added to the injury report. Howell will return to the QB1 role if Brissett can’t go on Sunday.

Brissett replaced Howell in each of the last two games, road losses to the Los Angeles Rams and New York Jets, that extended Washington’s losing streak to six games.

“It’s a good opportunity for Sam to take a break,” head coach Ron Rivera said. “Jacoby’s proven that he’s a very, very viable player in this league.”

Including the 2022 season finale, Howell has started 16 consecutive games for the Commanders. The 2022 fifth-round pick ranks 11th in the NFL this season in passing yards (3,624) but has offset his 19 touchdown passes with a league-high 17 interceptions — including four pick-sixes. He has also been sacked a league-high 60 times.

The Commanders (4-11) finish the season with home games against the 49ers (11-4) on Sunday and the Dallas Cowboys (10-5) on Jan. 7.

Brissett, who started 11 games last season for Cleveland, has completed 18 of 23 passes for 224 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in three games this season.

–Field Level Media

Oct 29, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jacoby Brissett (12) on the field against the Philadelphia Eagles at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Commanders to start QB Jacoby Brissett vs. 49ers

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Quarterback Jacoby Brissett will start for the Washington Commanders on Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers.

Head coach Ron Rivera made the announcement before practice on Wednesday.

Brissett replaced Sam Howell in each of the last two games, road losses to the Los Angeles Rams and New York Jets, that extended Washington’s losing streak to six games.

“It’s a good opportunity for Sam to take a break,” Rivera said. “Jacoby’s proven that he’s a very, very viable player in this league.”

Including the 2022 season finale, Howell has started 16 consecutive games for the Commanders. The 2022 fifth-round pick ranks 11th in the NFL this season in passing yards (3,624) but has offset his 19 touchdown passes with a league-high 17 interceptions — including four pick-sixes. He has also been sacked a league-high 60 times.

The Commanders (4-11) finish what could be Rivera’s final season in charge with home games against the 49ers (11-4) on Sunday and the Dallas Cowboys (10-5) on Jan. 7.

Brissett, who started 11 games last season for Cleveland, has completed 18 of 23 passes for 224 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in three games this season.

He compiled an 18-30 record as a starter for the Browns (2022), Miami Dolphins (2021), Indianapolis Colts (2017-20) and New England Patriots (2016). He has thrown for 10,574 yards with 51 TDs and 23 interceptions.

Brissett, 31, will become the 13th different quarterback to start for Washington since the beginning of the 2018 season. He follows Howell, Taylor Heinicke, Carson Wentz, Alex Smith, Dwayne Haskins, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Kyle Allen, Garrett Gilbert, Case Keenum, Colt McCoy, Josh Johnson and Mark Sanchez.

–Field Level Media

Deshaun Watson is on track to return from his 11-game suspension on Dec. 4 when the Cleveland Browns play the Houston Texans. Syndication Usa Today

Browns QB Deshaun Watson eligible to rejoin teammates at practice

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Quarterback Deshaun Watson is back with the Cleveland Browns, participating in practice and meetings at the team facility for the first time since the start of the regular season.

The next full-squad session is Wednesday in Berea, Ohio, but Watson is expected to be working overtime to get ready for the Dec. 4 game at Houston.

Watson’s 11-game suspension runs through Week 12 — including the bye week — before the ban is lifted just in time for his debut with the Browns against the Texans.

Watson was acquired from the Texans in March and signed to a $250 million contract. But he was banned for 11 games in August for violating the league’s personal conduct policy, when the NFL ruled his behavior with massage therapists was “egregious” and “predatory.”

Watson agreed to a $5 million fine and the 11-game suspension and vowed to undergo counseling and treatment.

Since the ruling, Watson was mostly away from the team. He was cleared to attend meetings and use the weight room facilities last month.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski said Watson would primarily be working in individual drills but would take some reps with the offense as his return nears.

Cleveland lost to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday and is 3-6, well out of the current AFC playoff picture with eight regular-season games to go.

Jacoby Brissett has been the starting quarterback in Watson’s place, but Stefanski said Watson is the starter Dec. 4 at Houston barring an injury.

–Field Level Media