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Home Again, Chase Edmonds Looks To Keep Cooking At MetLife Stadium

Notes: Hopkins, Simmons will play against Giants; Fitzgerald workload could be reduced

Running back Chase Edmonds has been superb in games against the Jets and Giants at MetLife Stadium the past two years.
Running back Chase Edmonds has been superb in games against the Jets and Giants at MetLife Stadium the past two years.

Chase Edmonds must be a fan of home cooking, because each time the Cardinals' third-year running back goes to MetLife Stadium, he eats.

Edmonds put up phenomenal numbers during his four years at Fordham University in the Bronx, and his NFL return to the Tri-state area has been just as impressive.

He began the push with a breakout performance against the Giants last season, rushing the ball 27 times for 126 yards and three touchdowns. In Week 5 against the Jets, who share the stadium, he had three carries for 36 yards and a touchdown along with five catches for 56 yards.

All told, Edmonds has 37 touches for 242 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns in the two games at the stadium.

The Cardinals are back at MetLife for a critical contest against the Giants on Sunday, and Edmonds admits it's always a special trip.

"On a personal level, I do get a little more jacked up, a little more energized just because it does feel good to be back in New York, after having four important years there of my college career," Edmonds said. "Knowing I have such good family around the area, it always gives me a little more juice when I get up in the morning."

Edmonds, though, doesn't believe there is any correlation between location and his performance. He was needed against the Giants last season because David Johnson left the game early due to an injury.

"That's just kind of the way the games worked out," Edmonds said. "I look forward to try to build on it, obviously, but I don't really try to go in there and make it a thing that it's not."

Edmonds is putting together an impressive season. He has carried the ball 76 times for 362 yards, as his 4.9 yards-per-carry average is No. 13 in the NFL. Edmonds is third on the team with 42 catches and fourth with 326 receiving yards.

"This guy, wherever he plays, he's definitely a dynamic player," Giants coach Joe Judge said of Edmonds.

The Cardinals could really use a boost from Edmonds or fellow running back Kenyan Drake. Teams are making it hard for quarterback Kyler Murray to keep the ball on zone reads, and in the past few weeks the running backs have not done enough to force a change to that strategy.

"We're struggling getting efficient runs, and efficient runs consistently," Edmonds said. "We've got to find ways to run against a solid front. That's what teams have been doing to us. It's no secret anymore."

HOPKINS, SIMMONS GOOD TO GO FOR SUNDAY

Coach Kliff Kingsbury said wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (neck/back) and linebacker Isaiah Simmons (neck/back) will play on Sunday after missing Thursday's practice with soreness. They are both officially listed as questionable, as is Drake (hip), who also seems likely to play.

Kicker Zane Gonzalez (back) and right tackle Kelvin Beachum (back) were added to the injury report on Friday. They were both limited in practice and are questionable. Veteran kicker Mike Nugent is on the practice squad. Rookie third-round pick Josh Jones could be an option if Beachum cannot go.

Linebacker De'Vondre Campbell (ankle) is listed as questionable after missing practice all week and will be a game-day decision, Kingsbury said. If Campbell cannot play, Simmons would be in line to take over his role.

"He hasn't done a whole lot this week," Kingsbury said. "We'll see how he feels on Sunday."

Cornerback Johnathan Joseph (ankle) and safety Jalen Thompson (ankle) are out. Defensive lineman Rashard Lawrence does not have an injury designation and will play for the first time since Week 5.

Giants quarterback Daniel Jones is listed as questionable with a hamstring injury, although he was a full participant in Friday's practice. Colt McCoy started for the Giants in last week's win over the Seahawks.

New York linebacker Blake Martinez (back), defensive back Darnay Holmes (knee) and tackle Matt Peart (ankle) are also questionable, while defensive back Madre Harper has been ruled out.

FITZGERALD COULD HAVE REDUCED WORKLOAD IN RETURN FROM COVID-19

Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald is expected to play against the Giants after missing the past two games with COVID-19, but his workload could be limited. Fitzgerald said he lost nine pounds when he was sick.

"We're going to be smart," Kingsbury said. "He's looked great. He said he lost, I think, eight pounds, so he feels fast and has looked good out there running routes. I'm not sure exactly what his workload is going to look like yet, but it's just been great to have him back. He's always spirited and brings an air of confidence to the offense which we've all been excited to have back."

Safety Budda Baker said Fitzgerald's presence uplifted the team in practice this week.

"There were a lot more smiles on the field (Thursday) with Larry back," Baker said.

Images from the Dignity Health Training Center, presented by Hyundai.

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