Murray ‘hopeful’ this is week he makes return
Cardinals’ QB could also be joined by WR Hopkins in lineup
TEMPE, Ariz. — Quarterback Kyler Murray and All-Pro receiver DeAndre Hopkins were both at practice for the Arizona Cardinals on Wednesday in a sign the team’s top two playmakers might be ready to return after a three-game absence.
Even defensive end J.J. Watt was seen on the practice field, doing conditioning work off to the side despite a shoulder injury that could keep him out for the rest of the season.
Arizona (9-2) has the NFL’s best record and has regained some relatively fresh legs after a longawaited bye week. The Cardinals hope the Thanksgiving break will allow them to work with a healthier roster when they play at Chicago on Sunday.
Coach Kliff Kingsbury said Murray and Hopkins were both “limited” during Wednesday’s workout.
“We want to make sure they feel good and ease them back into the week,” Kingsbury said. “Tomorrow, we’ll have pads on and hopefully they can do a little more.”
Murray is dealing with a sprained ankle while Hopkins has a hamstring injury. The third-year quarterback said his ankle feels good and he’s “hopeful” he’ll play against the Bears, adding that he didn’t feel the missed games would hurt his timing.
“Practice today, the first couple of lob reps, it felt like I’ve been doing it the past three, four weeks,” Murray said.
Murray, who didn’t miss a game during his first two NFL seasons, was one of the league’s top MVP candidates before his injury near the end of a loss to the Green Bay Packers. He’s thrown for 2,276 yards and 17 touchdowns and also run for three touchdowns in eight starts.
The forecast in Chicago is for wet and cold conditions Sunday, but Kingsbury said he didn’t expect weather to factor into Hopkins’ availability.
“I don’t think weather as much, just as much the time he’s been off task,” Kingsbury said.
BEARS: While Justin Fields returned to practice for Chicago, Andy Dalton got the first-team snaps on Wednesday.
Whether the prized rookie or veteran will start at quarterback Sunday when the NFC West-leading Arizona Cardinals visit Soldier Field remains to be seen.
“With Andy being able to come out here and get these reps today, it’ll allow us to really continue each day to see, ‘Justin, where you at?’” coach Matt Nagy said. “‘What’s your pain today? How is it when you’re throwing?’ Once you go through the day of practice, however much it is, we’ve got to be able to say, ‘OK, for us going into it, is this something that we feel that he’s gonna be the best he can be for us to help win us that game, or is it gonna hurt him more or hurt us?’ As the week goes on, we’re working through all that.”
Fields had not practiced since he cracked ribs in the loss to Baltimore on Nov. 21 and was replaced by Dalton.
SEAHAWKS: Desperate for depth at running back, Seattle signed 36-year-old Adrian Peterson to its practice squad Wednesday.
There’s no guarantee Peterson will be added to Seattle’s active roster ahead of Sunday’s game against San Francisco, but with Chris Carson out for the season, and Rashaad Penny and Travis Homer missing last Monday’s game with injuries, the Seahawks opted to add the veteran to bolster their depth.
“I gotta wait and see how he does out here,” Seattle coach Pete Carroll said. “I’ve watched the film and seen him play. He plays just as aggressive and tough as he ever has. So I’m anxious to see what he adds to the club, and he’s fired up about it too.”
Peterson appeared in three games earlier this season for Tennessee following a season-ending injury suffered by Derrick Henry. Peterson started two games and had 27 carries for 82 yards and a 3.0yard average per rushing attempt and one touchdown run.
EAGLES: Jalen Hurts had no energy Wednesday for any drama regarding his playing status for Sunday when Philadelphia visits the New York Jets.
“You guys know I’m dealing with something,” Hurts said about his ankle sprain. “It’s the first one you guys have known. I’m going to continue to deal with it, and go on and get ready for the next game.”
Hurts added he’s “ready to go” and said the injury won’t affect his performance.
The second-year QB is coming off his worst game as a pro. He threw three interceptions in a 13-7 loss to the Giants. The Eagles (5-7) had won two in a row.
GIANTS: New York QB Daniel Jones practiced on a limited basis despite a strained neck and hopes to play Sunday in Miami.
“I think it’s just sore,” Jones said Wednesday after a short workout. “Like I said, I’m feeling much better today and expect I’ll continue to feel better and better every day.”
Concern about Jones’ playing status blew up Tuesday night when it was reported he sustained a neck injury last Sunday.