Cardinals' Kyler Murray, Colt McCoy out for preseason opener at Bengals

The Arizona Cardinals and two-time Pro Bowl quarterback Kyler Murray recently came to terms on a massive contract extension, but Murray then missed some practice time early this month after he tested positive for COVID-19.

Murray exited the coronavirus protocols and returned to the team's facility over the weekend, but Kevin Parrish Jr. of the Cardinals' website noted on Monday that the 25-year-old had "taken mental reps and done little else" during his two practices back. Head coach Kliff Kingsbury then let it be known that the team would "ease" Murray back into work this week, and it appears that includes keeping the signal-caller a spectator for Friday's preseason opener at the Cincinnati Bengals.

According to Darren Urban of the team's website, Kingsbury told reporters on Tuesday that both Murray and primary backup Colt McCoy will sit out against the Bengals. While Murray has been dealing with somewhat of a sore throwing wrist, Kingsbury insisted the issue isn't bothering his QB1 "much." McCoy, meanwhile, has some arm soreness. 

Third-string option Trace McSorley will start for Arizona in Cincinnati, and Jarrett Guarantano will also see snaps. 

"It's more maintenance at this point," Kingsbury added about the decision to sit Murray. "I expect to see more of him as we get into next week."

Kingsbury also said Murray "won't play much, if at all" during the preseason. Arizona hosts the Baltimore Ravens on Aug. 21 and then plays at the Tennessee Titans on Aug. 27. McCoy's status for those outings won't be determined until a later time.