As Week 17 approaches, Arizona Cardinals backup quarterback Clayton Tune looms as a potential starter if Kyler Murray is sidelined due to illness. However, facing a formidable Eagles defense, Tune doesn't project as a reliable fantasy option. For fantasy managers deliberating whether to wait for Murray's status or pivot to Tune, the decision hinges on the urgency of securing a starting quarterback. If the waiver wire offers more favorable options, the risk of Tune's uncertain performance may outweigh the potential reward. With a challenging matchup against the Eagles defense, fantasy managers may be better served exploring alternative quarterback options for Week 17. With Murray expected to play, fantasy managers rostering him should keep a close eye on his health updates leading up to kickoff to make an informed decision regarding Tune's fantasy viability.
Arizona Cardinals rookie quarterback Clayton Tune completed 11 of 20 passes for 58 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions in the Cardinals' 27-0 loss to the Cleveland Browns. He also rushed five times for 28 yards and lost a fumble. The first-year signal caller had a tough assignment in his initial NFL start, going up against one of the top defenses in the league. The results were about what was to be expected, as Tune looked out of sorts and uncomfortable all day. This will likely be a one-and-done scenario for the rookie unless the Cardinals give Kyler Murray (knee) one more week to get healthy. Moving forward, Tune should be avoided in all formats.
Arizona Cardinals fifth-round rookie quarterback Clayton Tune is expected to make his first NFL start in Week 9 against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, according to sources. Tune worked with the starting offensive unit all week long while Kyler Murray (knee) worked with backups. Murray is expected to come off Injured Reserve to make his season debut in Week 10 against the Atlanta Falcons, so this will most likely be a one-week start for Tune after the Cardinals traded Joshua Dobbs to the Minnesota Vikings on Tuesday. The 24-year-old Tune looked good in training camp and impressed the coaches, but fantasy managers shouldn't be using him in starting lineups in Week 9 unless they are absolutely desperate for a second QB in superflex leagues.
While Arizona continues to wait on Kyler Murray's (knee) return, rookie quarterback Clayton Tune will get his shot in Week 9. Following the trade of Joshua Dobbs to the Minnesota Vikings and with a record of 1-7, the Cardinals are in full rebuild mode. With that in mind, they might as well see what they have in the rookie. Unfortunately, the matchup isn't particularly great, as the Cleveland Browns sport one of the best defenses in the NFL. That does not bode well for Tune's chances, and he could have a rough go of it in his first NFL start. Fantasy managers should leave Tune on the bench in Week 9.
Cardinals Haven't Decided On Kyler Murray, Clayton Tune For Week 9
Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said the team hasn't decided who will start for them at quarterback in Week 9 against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. Gannon said they will likely decide on the plan on Friday or Saturday between Kyler Murray (knee) or rookie Clayton Tune after trading Joshua Dobbs to the Minnesota Vikings on Tuesday. Both Murray and Tune have had a good week of practice. Murray is officially questionable on the final Week 9 injury report. He'd need to be officially activated from Injured Reserve in order to play on Sunday, but it seems unlikely that Arizona would throw the 26-year-old into the fire on the road for his 2023 debut against one of the toughest defenses in the league in the Browns. Our guess is that Tune will make his first NFL start and Murray will get one more week to ramp up after tearing his ACL late last year.
Cardinals Still Deciding Between Kyler Murray, Clayton Tune In Week 9
Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said the team still hasn't decided on who will start at quarterback in Week 9 against the Cleveland Browns. The Cardinals traded Joshua Dobbs, who had started all eight games this year, to the Minnesota Vikings on Tuesday. Kyler Murray (knee) is progressing from a torn ACL he suffered last year, but he remains on Injured Reserve. The expectation is that rookie Clayton Tune will make his NFL debut this Sunday to give Murray one more week before making his season debut. Tune looked impressive in the preseason and in the summer during training camp, but he won't be a recommended streamer or waiver-wire pickup if he makes the start in Week 9, especially with Murray's return imminent.
Joshua Dobbs Heading To Bench, Clayton Tune Expected To Start In Week 9
Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon told reporters on Monday that quarterback Joshua Dobbs will not start in Week 9 against the Cleveland Browns. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero initially wrote that either Kyler Murray (knee) or rookie Clayton Tune will start. However, Ian Rapoport reports that barring a significant change of plans, Tune is expected to make his first career start this weekend, according to sources. Murray, who is still on Injured Reserve, may be activated and play, but Week 10 is more likely for his season debut as of now. The Cardinals have decided to move on from Dobbs after viewing film of their Week 8 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. The 24-year-old Tune is a fifth-rounder who has completed his only pass attempt in regular season action. Even if he starts and looks halfway decent against Cleveland, this could be a short-term fantasy value spike for him in two-QB leagues with Murray's return on the horizon.
Arizona Cardinals rookie quarterback Clayton Tune and Joshua Dobbs remain in a competition for the starting job under center to begin the 2023 regular season with Kyler Murray (knee) still recovering from a torn ACL. Tune has flashed strong athleticism and pocket presence, while Dobbs knows offensive coordinator Drew Petzing's system better than anybody on the roster thanks to their previous time together in Cleveland. When head coach Jonathan Gannon was asked if he thought Tune was prepared to be a starter, he said, "Yeah, very. He went in there yesterday and operated accordingly." Dobbs' experience makes him the front-runner, but it wouldn't be a surprise to see the 24-year-old win the job, either. Whoever wins the QB job in Arizona should be considered a desperation QB2 in superflex leagues.
Clayton Tune Rushes For 35 Yards In Preseason Loss To Chiefs
Arizona Cardinals rookie quarterback Clayton Tune completed 12 of 24 passing attempts for 133 yards and rushed six times for 35 yards in Saturday's 38-10 loss to the Chiefs. He is competing with Colt McCoy to be Arizona's backup quarterback and is looking to take over as a starter while Kyler Murray (knee) is recovering. Tune's rushing ability could get him there. McCoy started the game, and Tune came in after McCoy went just 15 plays, completing five of eight passes for just 25 yards. The fifth-round rookie isn't quite Murray when it comes to scrambling, and he has things to work on (timing, footwork), but he has shown the ability to get out of trouble when needed. Tune will be on the fantasy radar in superflex leagues if he can beat McCoy for the starting job while Murray is sidelined.
Clayton Tune Shows Mobility In Loss to The Chiefs On Saturday
Arizona Cardinals rookie quarterback Clayton Tune completed 12-of-24 for 133 yards and rushed six times for 35 yards in Saturday's 38-10 loss to the Chiefs. He is competing with Colt McCoy to be Arizona's backup quarterback and is looking to take over as a starter while Kyler Murray is recovering. Tune's rushing ability could get him there. McCoy started the game, and Tune came in after McCoy went just 15 plays, completing 5-for-8 passes for just 25 yards. The fifth-round rookie isn't quite Murray when it comes to scrambling, and he has things to work on (timing, footwork), but he has shown the ability to get out of trouble when needed. Tune will be on the fantasy radar in superflex leagues if he can beat McCoy for the starting job while Murray is sidelined.