Kyler Murray, DeAndre Hopkins questionable vs. 49ers

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) and wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Cardinals QB Kyler Murray, WR DeAndre Hopkins questionable vs. 49ers

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 11/5/21

Arizona Cardinals All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins wasn't even supposed to be on the field after he reaggravated his hamstring injury during the team's dramatic loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 8. In the eight days since the defeat, Pro Bowl quarterback Kyler Murray hasn't practiced with the team due to an ankle injury.

Both players' statuses for the Week 9 game against the division-rival San Francisco 49ers is reportedly going to come right down to the wire.

Kingsbury says Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins will be game-time decisions for Sunday.
— Kevin Parrish Jr (@KevinParrishJr) November 5, 2021

The team could also be without wide receiver A.J. Green, who tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this week and was placed on the COVID-19 list as a result.

If Murray can't go, the starting gig would go to journeyman Colt McCoy. If both Green and Hopkins are forced to sit, the Cardinals could look to fourth-year wide receiver Christian Kirk and rookie wideout Rondale Moore -- as well as newcomer Zach Ertz at the tight end position -- as primary aerial targets.

Arizona could also lean on their two-headed rushing attack of James Conner and Chase Edmonds. Either way, the absence of Hopkins and/or Green -- the team's two leading receivers in terms of yardage at 486 and 456 receiving yards, respectively -- would be a significant blow.

Murray has played in 40 straight games to begin his young career and has looked like an MVP candidate for much of the season's first half, while McCoy hasn't made more than two starts in a season since 2014. The Cardinals and 49ers are slated to kick off at 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday.

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