The Arizona Cardinals have been without their two top stars, Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins, for over a month. Murray has been dealing with an ankle injury. Meanwhile, Hopkins has battled a hamstring injury and Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury finally confirmed that he also has dealt with a high ankle sprain.
On Friday, ESPN senior NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler shed some light on their status for Sunday's game vs the Chicago Bears.
#Cardinals QB Kyle Murray (ankle) and WR DeAndre Hopkins (hamstring) are still trending toward playing Sunday vs. Bears, per source, though both need to have a successful practice today and team will monitor through weekend. But things are looking good.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) December 3, 2021
Both players are trending in the right direction toward suiting up Sunday. While speaking to media Friday morning, Kingsbury said that they will need to get through Friday's practice without any setbacks. Technically, they are considered game time decisions, but all signs point to go.
The Cardinals have been able to be very patient with both players, as the team has performed well without them. Veteran back up quarterback Colt McCoy has played better than most expected in Murray's absence. Another thing that has helped has been the team's depth at wide receiver.
Christian Kirk has stepped up in Hopkins' absence. The Cardinals also brought in former Pro Bowl wide receiver AJ Green in the off season. He also missed some time due to COVID-19, but has been a steady presence otherwise. Even rookie wide receiver Rondale Moore has contributed.
The Cardinals lost Maxx Williams for the season due to injury. That prompted them to go out and trade for Zach Ertz, who has made an impact as well.
Zach Ertz first game with the #Cardinals is a success.
47-yard touchdown.
He has 66 yards on 3 catches today… still learning the offense.pic.twitter.com/jP2dNkDeHm
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) October 24, 2021
That was his first game with the team. Last week, he added two more touchdowns to his resume.
The Cardinals are 9-2 and sit atop the NFC. But the Green Bay Packers are breathing down their neck for the overall #1 seed and only first round bye in the playoffs. So, it might be time to bring the stars back.
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