Just three snaps into Monday night's game, Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray suffered a non-contact knee injury and was subsequently carted off the field.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported the fear is Murray suffered a serious injury, and an MRI and other tests are forthcoming. Following the Cardinals' 27-13 loss to the New England Patriots, head coach Kliff Kingsbury said it "doesn't look good," but the team would know more in the morning.
Murray scrambled and went down following a 3-yard run on the third play from scrimmage. He was initially designated as questionable to return, but the scene was grim and he was ruled out soon after.
Surrounded by teammates, Murray was transported off the field and could be seen with tears in his eyes before covering his head with a towel. He was replaced by Colt McCoy.
A two-time Pro Bowler in his fourth season, Murray missed two games earlier this season with a hamstring injury and missed three a year ago with an ankle ailment. In both instances, he finished the games he was injured in before missing time. On Monday, the scene was far different and far more worrisome.
"It's tough to see a player like Murray get hurt," Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said. "I hope he's OK."
The 25-year-old, who was the No. 1 overall pick in 2019 and signed a lucrative extension this year, has completed 258 of 389 passes for 2,359 yards, 14 touchdowns and seven interceptions with 415 yards rushing and three more scores this season.
"It's tough," Kingsbury said. "There's no doubt. You see teams go through it ever week, but you lose your starter on the third play of the game [it's tough], non-contact, it's just tough to watch and see. You gotta be able to rebound and play the game, though."
