A.J. Green said that "Hop don't miss games."
That is usually true, although with wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins missing practice all week with a ribs injury - and coach Kliff Kingsbury saying Hopkins' status for Sunday's game in Jacksonville will be a game-day decision — there is a little more intrigue than normal.
Hopkins played the entire game against the Vikings last week, but after making four catches for 54 yards and a touchdown in the first nine minutes of the game, he was not targeted the rest of the day.
It's not unusual for Hopkins to miss at least one practice in a week, but that's usually for rest. Then again, if anyone is equipped to play without practice, it's Hopkins. He has only missed two games in his career since arriving in 2013 -- one in 2017 and one in 2019.
"If there is anybody, he's probably one of them," Kingsbury said, adding that the next 48 hours will be "crucial" for his availability.
"He's a unique talent, he has a great feel for the game, and very cerebral when you install and he can walk it through. So we know what he can do if he can go."
If Hopkins can't go, it would make for an intriguing lineup possibility. Green remains on the outside, but would Christian Kirk move to Hop's spot when he has been so effective in the slot? Would Andy Isabella be the automatic next man up, or would the Cards consider the bigger Antoine Wesley?
Or maybe Green will be proved right once again, and Hopkins will play, like he always does.
CARDINALS 100 PERCENT VACCINATED
Kingsbury said the Cardinals' roster is now 100 percent vaccinated.
"It's a positive," Kingsbury said. "(Covid) is still popping up, even with vaccinated players, so we just all have to keep taking all the necessary precautions."
Kingsbury said the group has all been vaccinated for "a couple of weeks." The coaching staff was already fully vaccinated.
MURPHY BACK BUT WILSON A GAME-DAY DECISION
Cornerback Byron Murphy (ankle) was back at practice Friday and Kingsbury expressed optimism he would be fine for Sunday. But cornerback Marco Wilson (ankle) will be a game-day decision, likely creating another opportunity for practice-squad cornerback Antonio Hamilton. Linebacker Devon Kennard (hamstring) is also listed as questionable.
Starting right tackle Kelvin Beachum (ribs) is also a game-day decision, Kingsbury said. His status will be one to watch since two other backup linemen -- tackle Josh Miles (ankle) and guard Brian Winters (personal) have been ruled out for Sunday
For the Jaguars, cornerback C.J. Henderson (groin/illness), cornerback Tre Herndon (knee) and defensive lineman Roy Robertson-Harris (ankle) are all questionable.
PHILLIPS RETURN STILL TBD
Defensive lineman Jordan Phillips who has been on injured reserve with an undisclosed issue, is eligible to return, but Kingsbury said the Cardinals need to figure out where the veteran is at physically, especially since he has hardly practiced since the outset of training camp.
"Physically he has come a long way," Kingsbury said. "But I'm not sure timetable-wise."
