Murray’s Knee Shows Improvement After ACL Recovery

Kyler Murray Declares His Right Knee ‘As Close As It’s Going to Get’ to Full Health

By Josh Weinfuss

July 28, 2025, 07:39 PM ET

GLENDALE, ariz. — Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray announced Monday that his right knee, injured in a December 2022 ACL tear, is now “as close as it’s going to get” to complete recovery.

Murray acknowledged that the lingering effects of the injury impacted his performance through last season, his first full season after returning to play midway through the 2023 campaign.

“Now I feel like I’m back to where I was before that,” Murray stated. “Obviously, my knee will probably never be the same as far as that goes.”

However, Murray shared insights from conversations with other athletes who have undergone ACL reconstruction, noting that the second year post-return is often when players “finally feel like yourself.”

“It’s just something you got to stay on top of,” Murray added.

The reconstructed knee did not hinder his mobility last season, as Murray recorded 572 rushing yards and five touchdowns, marking the second-highest rushing total of his career.

Entering his seventh NFL season,Murray expressed confidence that his legs will onc again be a notable offensive weapon in 2025.

Murray, who has led the Cardinals to one winning season and one playoff appearance since being the No.1 overall pick in 2019, also voiced his approval of the team’s offseason roster enhancements on both offense and defence.

“In totality of this team,” Murray concluded, “this unit, I feel like, is definitely one of the best I’ve been a part of for sure.”

What specific neuromuscular training exercises are most beneficial for Andy Murray to prevent re-injury to his ACL during high-intensity tennis matches?

The Road to Recovery: Understanding ACL Injuries

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries are unfortunately common in athletes, particularly those involved in high-impact sports like tennis, basketball, and soccer. The ACL is crucial for stabilizing the knee joint, and a tear can sideline an athlete for a significant period. Andy Murray, the renowned tennis player, has faced his share of ACL challenges, and recent reports indicate positive progress in his recovery journey. this article delves into the specifics of murray’s knee improvement, the ACL recovery process, and what it means for his future in professional tennis. We’ll cover rehabilitation protocols,potential setbacks,and long-term knee health considerations.

Andy Murray’s Recent progress: A Timeline

Following a persistent hip issue that required surgery in 2019, Murray experienced further complications with his knee. He underwent an ACL reconstruction in January 2024. Initial reports were cautious, emphasizing the lengthy and demanding rehabilitation ahead. However, updates throughout 2025 have been increasingly optimistic.

March 2025: Murray began light on-court training, focusing on basic movement and agility drills.

May 2025: He participated in exhibition matches, showcasing improved stability and reduced pain. While not at full competitive intensity, these matches were a significant milestone.

July 2025 (Current): Reports from his training camp indicate a substantial increase in strength and endurance. He’s reportedly able to perform more complex tennis-specific movements with minimal discomfort. Sources close to Murray suggest he’s targeting a return to competitive play in early 2026.

Key Stages of ACL Rehabilitation

ACL recovery isn’t a linear process. It’s typically divided into phases, each with specific goals and exercises.Understanding these phases provides insight into Murray’s progress and the challenges he’s overcome.

1. Phase 1: Immediate Post-Op (0-2 Weeks): Focuses on reducing pain and swelling, regaining range of motion, and initiating muscle activation. Exercises include gentle range-of-motion exercises, quad sets, and hamstring contractions.
2. Phase 2: Early Strengthening (2-6 Weeks): Emphasis shifts to strengthening the muscles around the knee – quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves. Closed-chain exercises (exercises where the foot is planted) are introduced,such as squats and leg presses.
3. Phase 3: Intermediate Strengthening (6-12 weeks): Progressive loading and more challenging exercises are incorporated. This includes agility drills,balance training,and the introduction of light cardio.
4. Phase 4: Advanced Strengthening & Return to Sport (3-6+ Months): Focuses on sport-specific training, including running, jumping, cutting, and pivoting. Gradual return to competitive play is the ultimate goal. This phase requires careful monitoring to prevent re-injury.

Factors influencing ACL Recovery Time

Several factors can influence how long it takes to recover from ACL reconstruction:

Age: Younger athletes generally recover faster than older athletes.

Overall Health: Pre-existing conditions can impact healing.

Severity of the Injury: Associated injuries (meniscal tears, cartilage damage) can prolong recovery.

surgical Technique: The specific surgical procedure used can affect outcomes.

Rehabilitation Compliance: Adhering to the prescribed rehabilitation program is crucial.

Graft Source: Whether the graft is autograft (from the patient’s own body) or allograft (from a donor) can influence recovery.

Preventing Re-Injury: Long-Term Knee Health

Returning to competitive tennis after an ACL injury carries a risk of re-injury. Several strategies can help mitigate this risk:

Neuromuscular Training: Exercises that improve muscle activation patterns and proprioception (awareness of body position).

Strength Imbalance Correction: Addressing any strength deficits between the injured and uninjured leg.

Proper Warm-Up & cool-Down: Preparing the muscles for activity and promoting recovery.

* Bracing: Some athletes may benefit from wearing a knee brace during high-