Cardinals' Murray, Hopkins game-day decisions vs. Bears

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports

Cardinals QB Kyler Murray, WR DeAndre Hopkins game-day decisions Week 13 vs. Bears

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 12/3/21

It finally appeared that the Arizona Cardinals were preparing to welcome back starting quarterback Kyler Murray and star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins into the starting lineup for Week 13 against the Chicago Bears. Approximately 48 hours before kickoff, head coach Kliff Kingsbury told reporters that he's not quite ready to make that call yet.

Hopkins, for one, didn't seem overly concerned about his injury on Friday.

DeAndre Hopkins: "I'll give it a go before the game" to see if he's ready.

Not worried about rust when he does play. "I know what I can do."
— Darren Urban (@Cardschatter) December 3, 2021

The last time either Hopkins or Murray played was during the Cardinals' Week 8 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Oct. 28. Murray didn't practice leading up to Week 9 against the San Francisco 49ers but finally made it back to the field in a limited capacity on the Friday before Week 10 against the Carolina Panthers.

The third-year signal-caller ended up sitting out the game vs. the Panthers, and despite having a chance to suit up in Week 11 against the Seattle Seahawks, the team opted to use its Week 12 bye to get both Pro Bowlers closer to full strength.

Arizona has primarily turned to journeyman Colt McCoy under center since Murray went out. In six games — including three starts — this season, McCoy has completed 68-of-90 passes for 684 yards and three touchdowns against one interception.

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