Arizona Cardinals GM Steve Keim takes leave from team; Murray set for surgery

Arizona Cardinals general manager Steve Keim is taking an indefinite health-related leave of absence from the team, according to an NFL.com report that was later confirmed by the Cardinals.

The news was reported late Wednesday afternoon. Keim, who has been criticized heavily by media and fans for what has been an unsuccessful Cardinals season, signed a contract extension with the team this past offseason.

It's not the first time Keim has had to step away from the Cardinals. He was suspended for five weeks and fined after charges for DUI were filed against him in 2018. This time, however, it's unclear what Keim is dealing with.

"Arizona Cardinals General Manager Steve Keim is currently on a health-related leave of absence," the Cardinals statement read. "Keim’s duties are being handled on an interim basis by Vice President, Player Personnel Quentin Harris and Vice President, Pro Personnel Adrian Wilson.

"Out of respect for privacy - which is required by law - the team will refrain from commenting further."

Murray set for knee surgery

Quarterback Kyler Murray is set for knee surgery on his torn ACL sometime after Christmas, head coach Kliff Kingsbury said Wednesday.

Murray was placed on injured reserve, his season officially over even though the injury diagnosis itself had already determined that. Kingsbury said he "wouldn't put anything past" Murray to be able to come back from the surgery and recovery in eight months, which if that happens would have Murray ready to play when the regular season starts.

Murray will do some pre-rehab work before his surgery so he will be back at the team facility in Tempe at some point in the near future.

"I think that's something we'll have to see how he progresses throughout the whole process," Kingsbury said. "I know he's pissed, obviously, that he can't finish this deal, just talking to Hollywood (Brown). But hopefully we can get him back around here soon."

While surgery for Murray is forthcoming, defensive lineman Zach Allen had surgery on his hand on Wednesday and did not take part in the team's walk-through practice session. Allen was hurt in the third quarter of Monday night's game against the New England Patriots, came out of the game and didn't return.

Allen's status going forward has yet to be determined. He leads the Cardinals in quarterback hits with 20 and tackles for loss with 10. Allen's 5 ½ sacks are second-most on the team in 2022.

Many moves made

The Cardinals were busy with roster moves Wednesday, in addition to placing Murray on injured reserve.

Wide receiver Rondale Moore's groin injury landed him on injured reserve, ending his season. Offensive lineman Will Hernandez, out with a chest injury since Week 10, was designated to return from injured reserve after missing four games.

The Cardinals signed former Detroit Lions quarterback David Blough, whom football fans might remember from his story being told on HBO's preseason "Hard Knocks" series featuring the Lions. Blough's addition gives the Cardinals three quarterbacks on the active roster joining Colt McCoy and Trace McSorley.

Tight end Maxx Williams and cornerback Jace Whittaker were signed to the active roster, and quarterback Carson Strong was signed to the practice squad.

Unrestricted turnover

The Cardinals have around 30 players who are scheduled to be unrestricted free agents after this season, including Allen, J.J. Watt, Rodney Hudson and Byron Murphy Jr.

Kingsbury was asked his thoughts on so many in that situation.

"Yeah, it's a lot. There'll be a lot of turnover, there's no doubt. I think there's some older players that have done a great job here, and some may be at the end of their careers, and then some may be moving on," Kingsbury said. "But I think every offseason presents new challenges and it'll be an exciting time to see how we can add to some of these young core players that we're excited about."

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Cardinals GM Steve Keim takes leave from team; Murray set for knee surgery