There are two Cardinals quarterbacks throwing to skill players in Arizona right now, but when the lead singer is missing, it's hard to say the band is back together.
While backups Brett Hundley and Chris Streveler are building chemistry with Christian Kirk, Trent Sherfield and others, Kyler Murray remains in Dallas.
Larry Fitzgerald said the passing game pieces are trying to work out the logistics to convene before training camp, and that Murray "is anxious get with his teammates."
"Talking to him, he loves being around us," Fitzgerald said. "He wants to take this to the next level and build on what he was able to accomplish last year, NFL Rookie of the Year. He's got a lot of guys who want to play well for him, and he wants to do the same for us. Hopefully we will be able to do it here pretty soon."
Fitzgerald often hosts teammates in his hometown of Minneapolis, but said the coronavirus has made it tougher to coordinate schedules and iron out logistics. He said the plan is for the players to unite for one or two sessions before training camp begins.
"We're working on it," Fitzgerald said.
Like many of his teammates, Fitzgerald likes the look of the Cardinals' roster -- which added All-Pro wideout DeAndre Hopkins among others this offseason -- but the longtime veteran also knows on-paper optimism doesn't automatically translate to on-field success.
"We have some great, talented players individually, but you're only as good as your collective team," Fitzgerald said. "We have to get on the practice field. We have to work through some kinks. We have to get new guys acclimated to what we're doing. I think everybody is anxious to get back to work and get on the field, kind of see exactly what we have."
While the lack of on-field work may be a detriment, Fitzgerald believes it has been a positive in a more worldly scope. He recently returned to his hometown of Minneapolis following the death of George Floyd, and the ensuing position group conversations have been enlightening.
The Cardinals' receivers coach, David Raih, is white, as is assistant Jerry Sullivan, while most of the players are black.
"Our group has come together and bonded in a way that I don't think would have been possible if we were together, as far as on the field, because when you're on the field, the actual work becomes the most important," Fitzgerald said. "Once you get out of practice, you're not talking about social issues. When you're in more of a virtual forum, those things can be accessed and talked about in a much more readily available fashion. We've grown so much in the last few weeks, and hopefully we can continue to do that."
Hopkins is the lone major new addition among the wide receivers and is assimilating well. Fitzgerald said he has already made an impression by being punctual, taking notes and asking questions in the football portion of the meetings.
"I've known DeAndre since he was in college," Fitzgerald said. "We've had a great relationship for the last eight, nine years. Somebody that I highly respect and admire the way he goes about his business. I couldn't be more happy to have him on the team. He's a wonderful person for Christian, Trent, Hakeem (Butler), Andy (Isabella), Kee (Johnson) and the other young guys to be able to learn from."
The receivers are trying their best to navigate this unique offseason, one which will officially close soon without on-field work. The logistical issues of getting together with Murray is the latest hurdle the group faces.
Fitzgerald said it's important for the Cardinals to roll with the punches as the season inches closer.
"Whatever the landscape looks like, the fastest team that is able to adapt and make that their new norm will come out on top," Fitzgerald said.
Images from the Cardinals' 32-25 win over Philadelphia to advance to the Super Bowl. Listen to the re-air on Wednesday at 6 p.m. on 98.7 FM, Arizona's Sports Station.
LB Karlos Dansby holds the trophy as owner Bill Bidwill looks on
S Adrian Wilson sacks Eagles QB Donovan McNabb.
Cardinals DE Bertrand Berry holds the George Halas Trophy after the NFL NFC championship football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009, in Glendale, Ariz.
WR Larry Fitzgerald during introductions.
S Adrian Wilson celebrates a sack.
Owner Bill Bidwill
S Adrian Wilson at the podium
QB Kurt Warner (right) interviewed by Terry Bradshaw
Jordin Sparks performs the national anthem
President Michael Bidwill celebrates
RB Tim Hightower converts a huge touchdown against the Eagles
Cardinals players hoist the trophy in the locker room
WR Larry Fitzgerald makes a catch
LB Gerald Hayes celebrates amid confetti
WR Larry Fitzgerald celebrates a touchdown with OL Reggie Wells
WR Larry Fitzgerald points to the crowd during the game against the Eagles
LB Karlos Dansby (left) and DE Darnell Dockett (right) admire the trophy
LB Karlos Dansby holds a newspaper after the win over Philadelphia
LB Karlos Dansby and DE Calais Campbell with the trophy
Owner Bill Bidwill with the Halas Trophy
RB Edgerrin James shakes a tackle against the Eagles
DE Bertrand Berry with the trophy surrounded by cameras
S Adrian Wilson sacks QB Donovan McNabb
QB Kurt Warner with Terry Bradshaw on the podium
Owner Bill Bidwill with DE Bertrand Berry on the podium
Head coach Ken Whisenhunt doused with Gatorade
Head coach Ken Whisenhunt with the trophy in locker room
Kurt Warner points to the crowd from the podium
WR Larry Fitzgerald celebrates
QB Kurt Warner celebrates
LB Chike Okeafor poses with a newspaper
WR Larry Fitzgerald of the Arizona Cardinals celebrates on the victory stand after play against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Cardinals won 32-25.
President Michael Bidwill celebrates on the field
WR Larry Fitzgerald surges for the goal line and scores with a pass in the first quarter
Owner Bill Bidwill with the trophy
WR Larry Fitzgerald gets pumped on the field
President Michael Bidwill holds his hands up on the podium
Larry Fitzgerald and Kurt Warner embrace during the postgame presser
WR Larry Fitzgerald makes his third touchdown reception
WR Larry Fitzgerald puts his fist up on the podium
DE Bertrand Berry with the Halas Trophy
Confetti falls as the Cardinals win
WR Larry Fitzgerald reacts after teammate RB Tim Hightower caught a touchdown pass during the second half
DE Darnell Dockett takes down Eagles QB Donovan McNabb
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner reacts after the NFL NFC championship football game against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Cardinals won 32-25.
DE Bertrand Berry celebrates with the ball
Owner Bill Bidwill shares the trophy with LB Karlos Danbsy
Cardinals QB Kurt Warner reacts after the NFL NFC championship football game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Glendale, Ariz.
Eagles QB Donovan McNabb fumbles the ball as he is sacked by Cardinals S Adrian Wilson during the second half. The Cardinals recovered the ball.
Cardinals QB Kurt Warner reacts after the NFL NFC championship football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 32-25.
Larry Fitzgerald makes a 1-yard touchdown reception as Eagles cornerback Sheldon Brown looks on during the first half
Cardinals S Adrian Wilson reacts after he sacked Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb during the second half.
Arizona Cardinals QB Kurt Warner celebrates after play against the Eagles in the NFC championship game on Jan. 18, 2009 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals defeated the Eagles 32-25.
Cardinals RB Edgerrin James carries the ball as Eagles S Quintin Demps defends during the first half.
Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald grabs an end zone pass for a touchdown
Cardinals FB Terrelle Smith reacts after the Cardinals won the NFC Championship over the Eagles on Jan. 18, 2009.
Larry Fitzgerald celebrates a touchdown
Cardinals LB Karlos Dansby bats down a pass by Eagles QB Donovan McNabb
Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald reacts after catching a 62-yard touchdown pass during the first half
DE Calais Campbell celebrates after the Cardinals won 32-25
