Reports: Cardinals likely starting rookie QB Clayton Tune over Kyler Murray against Browns

The Cardinals demoted Josh Dobbs on the depth chart late Monday. So who will take the first snap under center? Will it be Kyler Murray or rookie Clayton Tune?

According to ESPN, the rebuilding Cardinals will go with Tune, who was quarterbacking the Houston Cougars this time a year ago, as their QB1. An unidentified source said coach Jonathan Gannon will turn to the rookie. Gannon, who is in his first year as head coach of the Cardinals, surprised many at the start of the season when he traded for Dobbs, a journeyman backup, and announced him as his day-one starter. Dobbs, the former Tennessee Vol star, is a seven-year NFL vet with 10 career starts. Eight of them came in the first two months of 2023.

The NFL Network also reported that the Cardinals will give Tune, a fifth-round selection, the start. Ian Rapoport reported that, “barring a significant change,” Tune will start on the road against the Browns.

Barring a significant change of plans, #AZCardinals rookie Clayton Tune is expected to start this week, sources say. Kyler Murray may still play, but next week is more likely as of now.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 30, 2023

Kyler Murray likely not ready to face defenses at full speed

So why Tune for the Cardinals? Kyler Murray probably isn’t ready to see action in a game. Murray needed reconstructive knee surgery near the end of 2022. And although he’s back at practice, the Cardinals coaches don’t think he’s ready for full contact. The Browns, especially, would be a difficult opponent considering Cleveland is the top defense in the league, allowing only 260 yards per game. Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, a teammate of Murray’s back at Texas A&M, has 8.5 sacks for the season.

According to the Cardinals’ most recent injury report. Murray was a full participant in practice last Wednesday. However, he wasn’t listed as a participant in drills on Thursday or Friday. He didn’t play in the Cardinals’ loss to the Ravens.

Murray first started practicing on Oct. 18. The Cardinals have until Nov. 8 to take him off the physically unable to perform list. It’s more likely that Murray makes his 2023 debut against the Atlanta Falcons in week 10.

The Cardinals only have one win this season, so they may be playing for the top pick of next year’s draft. USC quarterback Caleb Williams probably will be the top pick. If anything, Gannon wants to see how well Murray fits his offensive system.

“I talked to all of the quarterbacks this morning,” Gannon told reporters Monday afternoon. “And we’re going to keep ramping up Kyler [Murray] and see how he progresses throughout the week. If it’s not Kyler, it’s going to be Clayton Tune. I talked to all three quarterbacks, and I’m on the same page with them on how we’re going to operate moving forward.” 

The Cardinals selected Kyler Murray, the former Oklahoma star, with the first pick of the 2019 NFL Draft. He tore his ACL in mid-December, 2022. The Cardinals placed him on IR on Dec. 14.