2023 NFL Power Rankings: Arizona Cardinals

Young riser: WR Michael Wilson

The 2023 third-round pick is an older rookie at 23, and that maturity is showing. Wilson has made an immediate impact with the Cardinals with 21 catches for 343 yards and two touchdowns, but he has also ingratiated himself to his veteran teammates with his hard work and approach. -- Josh Weinfuss

The Joshua Dobbs story has been pretty tremendous, all things considered, but anyone still droning on about not playing Kyler Murray needs to reconsider their position. Murray appears on track for a Week 10-ish return, assuming all goes well in his return to practice. The offense opened against Seattle with three punts, then a field goal, but that came after a fumble recovery returned to Seattle's 30-yard line. The Cardinals got another fumble at the Seattle 34 in the fourth quarter and turned that into a missed field goal. Arizona won the turnover battle 3-0 but didn't take advantage. Dobbs' TD run was pretty, and he rallied a bit, but his limitations are starting to show. It will be fascinating to see how Murray looks roughly 11 months after we last saw him. And I'm ready to see him.

Kyler Murray is back at practice and they need him back. This staff has to find out about him.

Now riding a four-game losing streak — all of the defeats by double digits — Kyler Watch is officially on as Arizona's season starts circling the drain.

One question: What will they do with Kyler Murray?

The prospect of drafting either Caleb Williams or Drake Maye got even closer Sunday, as the Cardinals would pick second if the season ended today. Arizona opened the window for Murray to return from injured reserve last week, but there's no firm timetable on when or even if he'll return. The quarterback, who tore his ACL in December, has an up-and-down history with the organization. Murray's talent is undeniable, and the word is he's getting along OK with the new coaching staff, but committing to Murray and the five years and $182 million he has left on his deal might not be a good move for a franchise that could turn the page with a coveted quarterback on a rookie deal.

We can keep giving the Cardinals credit for scrappiness, but after a certain point, you are what your record says you are. Arizona is getting outscored, 104-30, in the second half this season. Hopefully, Kyler Murray returns sooner rather than later.

We're going to look back on the Cardinals' win over the Cowboys and wonder how the heck that happened. Since then Arizona has lost by 19, 14, 17 and 10. At least it looks like Kyler Murray will be back relatively soon.

When Kyler Murray comes up, will it matter?

Tweets by @EDSFootball