Team news: Arizona Cardinals | Page 4

Arthur Smith said they'll evaluate the QB position this week. Reiterated that health can affect performance and his No. 1 concern is Desmond Ridder's health.

"Whoever is going to play this week has got to get the reps."

Related players: Taylor Heinicke

Ridder was evaluated for a concussion and cleared protocol but Smith opted to stay with Heinicke instead of bringing Ridder back out. Heinicke played well during his time so the Falcons may decide to take advantage of this open door. No matter who plays, they could be without WR London Drake who is dealing with a groin injury. The Falcons host the Vikings in an early game. Those in deeper leagues or superflex leagues may want to add Heinicke with the chance he gets the start.

Falcons QB Desmond Ridder is being evaluated for a concussion and Taylor Heinicke is now in at quarterback.

Ridder certainly got roughed up in the first half, getting sacked five times and lost a fumble. He was 8/12 for 71 yards and added 26 yards on three rushing attempts. The offense again continued to struggle, scoring just six points in the first half and now there will be many more questions surrounding the unit. It will be interesting to see hoe Heinicke performs and if he can steal the starting job away from Ridder.

Cardinals QB Kyler Murray, in Week 2 of his practice window opening, was a full participant.

Related Players: Joshua Dobbs

The Cardinals' deadline to activate Kyler Murray is November 8th, and it now seems very likely that the team will get him in under that date. With no setbacks, Murray could conceivably be a full go for Week 9.

The Cardinals are putting TE Zach Ertz on IR, sources tell me and Tom Pelissero.

Related players: Trey McBride

Ertz, who has 27 catches for 187 yards and a TD this season, suffered a quad strain on Sunday. The plan is for him to return later in the year, the post went on to say. In the meantime, McBride will officially take over the TE1 role, but may have even before Ertz's injury. McBride had six targets in Week 7 and finished with a line of 3-29-0. However, he made some waves in Week 6 when he played more snaps and finished with a line of 4-62-0. If you're struggling at the position, McBride is certainly worth a look.

The Cardinals are planning to open the practice window for QB Kyler Murray today, the first step in a slow process to ramp him up, coach Jonathan Gannon said. Murray and the team will be smart with his return from an ACL tear, but being on the practice field is a good step.

It would likely help fantasy managers if the Cardinals won a couple of games, as there is still no assurance that they would not shut him down for the year if it's already a lost season. Regardless, this is a good sign that we may see him on the field at some point in 2023.

It sounds like Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is getting closer to his return to play after tearing his ACL last December.

Head coach Jonathan Gannon said in a Monday radio interview with Arizona Sports 98.7 that Murray is doing a “good job” in his rehab, adding he liked the week that the quarterback had.

“We’ve got to kind of see here the next couple days, see how tonight goes and tomorrow goes, and again, though, we’re not rushing that,” Gannon said, via Bob McManaman of the Arizona Republic, who noted that Gannon was hinting “very strongly” that Murray is making enough progress to be designated to return. “We’re making sure that he feels good about going out there, but he’s trending in the right direction.”

Related players: Joshua Dobbs

Dobbs has filled in fairly nicely for the Cards so far this season, but the team will at least need to see what they have with Murray and their offense at some point. The Cards will eventually have a decision to make - trade Murray and draft a QB of the future, or keep Murray after signing him to a longterm deal.

But in the Cardinals’ Week 6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, it was Trey McBride — not Zach Ertz — pacing the tight ends room in offensive snaps (44). His receptions (four) and receiving yards (62) were also tied for the team lead.

HC Jonathan Gannon said McBride has been consistent since OTAs. He also called him an explosive player and a good blocker. McBride may not be on the fantasy radar just yet, but now could be the time to add him, especially if you are among the fantasy owners who don't have a legit TE1 option.