The Arizona Cardinals somehow managed to stay atop one of the NFL’s more competitive divisions without their QB1-WR1 combination for the last month. Now, at least, the two are back together on the practice field.
Both quarterback Kyler Murray and wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins participated in practice Wednesday, per the Cardinals’ Darren Urban. Kliff Kingsbury later shared that both players were limited.
It remains to be seen whether the two will be able to play in the team’s road game at Chicago on Sunday, but their practice participation signals at least approaching availability. Murray has been battling an ankle injury, while Hopkins has been dealing with a hamstring injury. Neither has played since a Week 8 loss to the Green Bay Packers.
In their absence, however, backup QB Colt McCoy led the team to two wins over three games before a Week 12 bye provided additional healing time for Murray and his top receiver. Despite missing three games, Hopkins remains the Cardinals’ leader in touchdown catches with seven.
In other injury news, running back Chase Edmonds, who has been on IR since Nov. 13 with an ankle injury, and long snapper Aaron Brewer (forearm) aren't expected to return until Week 14 against the Rams, per Kingsbury. Guard Justin Pugh (calf) is a game-time decision for Week 13.
Injuries/COVID-19
- Baltimore Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen (ribs) and defensive end Calais Campbell (concussion) were limited in practice. The Ravens also placed kicker Jake Verity on practice squad injured reserve.
- Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (ribs) practiced in a limited capacity. Fields last saw the field in Week 11 when he was injured against the Ravens. Chicago plans to give Andy Dalton first-team reps for the time being, per NFL Network's Stacey Dales. Linebacker Roquan Smith (hamstring), defensive tackle Akiem Hicks (ankle), tight end Cole Kmet (groin) and receiver Allen Robinson (hamstring) were among those listed as DNPs.
- The Dallas Cowboys activated receiver Amari Cooper from the reserve/COVID-19 list. He is listed as questionable for Thursday's game versus the Saints. Wideout Cedric Wilson (ankle) has been ruled out.
- The Denver Broncos held running back Melvin Gordon out of practice due to shoulder and hip injuries, per coach Vic Fangio. Safety Kareem Jackson (neck) and linebacker Bradley Chubb (ankle) practiced on a limited basis. Left tackle Garett Bolles, who's been out with COVID-19 since Nov. 22 and hasn't played since Week 8 due to an ankle injury, is set to return tomorrow, per NFL Network's James Palmer. Cornerback Ronald Darby (illness) and defensive end Shelby Harris (ankle) did not practice.
- Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill did not practice Wednesday and was listed on the practice report as non-injury related/personal. Receiver Mecole Hardman also did not participate and was listed as non-injury related/other.
- Houston Texans wideout Brandin Cooks (illness) and running back David Johnson (illness/thigh) did not practice.
- Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner said he plans on playing Sunday against the Texans after hyperextending his knee against the Bucs in Week 12. He did not practice Wednesday. Linebacker Darius Leonard (ankle/wrist) and guard Quenton Nelson (ankle) also did not practice. Offensive tackle Eric Fisher (knee) was limited.
- Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (knee) and defensive end Carl Nassib (knee) did not practice. Receiver DeSean Jackson (calf) was limited.
- Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. (concussion) did not practice.
- Los Angeles Rams running back Darrell Henderson (thigh) did not practice while wide receivers Odell Beckham (hip) and Ben Skowronek (back) were limited. Head coach Sean McVay said he expects all three to be able to play Sunday. Also, linebacker Justin Hollins (pec) was designated to return to practice.
- Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores said receiver DeVante Parker (hamstring) and offensive lineman Greg Mancz (ankle) will practice this week. Parker, who is currently on injured reserve, has missed the last four games. Mancz has been on IR since getting injured in Week 9. Linebacker Jaelan Phillips (hip) practiced in a limited capacity.
- The Minnesota Vikings designated defensive tackle Michael Pierce (elbow) to return to practice. Linebacker Eric Kendricks (arm) was limited and linebacker Anthony Barr (knee/hamstring) did not practice. Receiver Bisi Johnson was placed on the COVID list.
- New England Patriots defensive back Kyle Dugger has been placed on the reserve/COVID list following a positive test, NFL Network's Mike Giardi reported, per the transaction wire. Linebacker Jamie Collins (ankle) was designated for return to practice.
- New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara, who's missed the past three games and was a limited participant Wednesday, is questionable for Thursday night against the Dallas Cowboys with a knee injury. Quarterback Taysom Hill, who's been dealing with a foot injury, was a full participant in practice Wednesday and has no injury designation for Thursday. Defensive end Marcus Davenport (shoulder) is out Thursday, while offensive tackles Terron Armstead (knee) and Ryan Ramczyk (knee) are each questionable.
- New York Giants coach Joe Judge said he's not ruling out the possibility of quarterback Daniel Jones playing in Week 13. Jones suffered a strained neck against the Eagles in Week 12. Jones officially was listed as a limited practice participant on the estimated injury report. Receivers Sterling Shepard (quad) and Kadarius Toney (oblique/quad), tight end Kyle Rudolph (ankle) and defensive back Adoree' Jackson (quad) were listed as DNPs.
- New York Jets receiver Corey Davis (hamstring) did not practice. Quarterback Zach Wilson (knee) was full-go. The Jets activated wideout Denzel Mims from the reserve/COVID-19 list and designated offensive lineman Chuma Edoga to return to practice.
- Philadelphia Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said he's "hopeful" quarterback Jalen Hurts (ankle) will be ready to play Sunday. Hurts later told reporters that he should be ready to go. He was limited in practice. Sirianni also said running back Miles Sanders (ankle/foot) is "continuing to progress." Wideout DeVonta Smith and running back Boston Scott sat out practice with non-COVID-related illnesses.
- The Pittsburgh Steelers activated receiver Ray-Ray McCloud from the reserve/COVID list and placed offensive lineman Joe Haeg on the reserve/COVID list. Receiver Chase Claypool (toe) was limited in practice. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (pec/shoulder) and cornerback Joe Haden (foot) were DNPs.
- San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw is a long shot to play this week, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported. Greenlaw, who missed time on Sunday with a groin injury, hasn’t been ruled out but didn't practice Wednesday and will be monitored through the week. Greenlaw was activated off IR last week following core muscle surgery. Linebacker Fred Warner (hamstring) and running back Trey Sermon (ankle) also did not practice.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Antonio Brown (ankle) is doubtful to play this Sunday against the Falcons, according to head coach Bruce Arians. Brown has not played since Week 6. Defensive tackle Vita Vea (knee) and linebacker Devin White (quad) were limited in practice. Guard Aaron Stinnie was placed on injured reserve.
- Washington Football Team running back Antonio Gibson (shin), receiver Curtis Samuel (groin), guard Brandon Scherff (knee) and tight ends Ricky Seals-Jones (hip) and Logan Thomas (hamstring) were listed as limited. Safety Landon Collins (foot) and RB J.D. McKissic (concussion) were DNPs.
Roster news
- The Baltimore Ravens signed defensive back Blake Countess to the practice squad.
- The Chicago Bears signed defensive back Dee Virgin to the practice squad.
- The Detroit Lions signed linebacker Curtis Bolton to the practice squad.
- The Las Vegas Raiders announced Wednesday they have signed long snapper Carson Tinker.
- The Seattle Seahawks signed running back Adrian Peterson to the practice squad, per coach Pete Carroll. NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported earlier in the day that Seattle brought the 36-year-old in for a visit. Peterson recorded 27 carries for 82 yards and a touchdown in three games played with the Titans this season; he was released on Nov. 23.
Retirements
- Veteran safety Kenny Vaccaro announced he's retiring from the NFL after eight seasons to launch an esports organization called G1.