In what wasn't really shocking news, Kliff Kingsbury said the Cardinals will see on game day who their starting quarterback will be Sunday in Seattle.
Kyler Murray is close to returning from his ankle injury. That is certain. But anyone looking for concrete answers Friday wasn't getting them.
"We've definitely progressed," the head coach said. "We want to make sure he's in a place where he can play his game, protect himself and do all those things, and if he can, he'll be out there."
Murray said earlier in the week "when I'm ready, I'll be ready."
He added, "I don't need to talk to (Kingsbury) about it."
During the open part of practice, all three quarterbacks were taking part and looking like there were no injury limitations. One positive sign – the Cardinals never did sign an extra QB this week (after a report they tried to sign Chiefs third-stringer Shane Buechele), so there was optimism at least one of the two between Murray and Colt McCoy would be ready.
Given that Kingsbury said McCoy's health was "getting there" in the veteran being able to start if Murray cannot, reading the tea leaves with the non-signing would seem to be important. Chris Streveler is the only healthy QB on the roster.
Murray's ability to protect himself – and not being in a position to get re-injured -- is the last hurdle for the QB.
"(It's) the acceleration stuff that really makes him who he is," Kingsbury said. "He's got to be able to use that to escape trouble that he does naturally and instinctively. We're still trying to get to that point."
Wide receiver Rondale Moore said the game plan won't change whether it is Murray or McCoy.
"We'd love to have Kyler," Moore said. "We love Colt. Whoever is back there, I think the plan stays the same."
Murray has held all along he would know when he would be ready to play again.
"If you can't go, you can't go and if you can, you let it ride," Murray said. "I'm not putting too much pressure on the decision to play or not. If I can play, I'll play."
BUDDA BAKER SHOULD BE OK; HOPKINS WILL MISS THIRD GAME
Safety Budda Baker, who is dealing with a heel injury, missed practice for a second straight day Friday, but Kingsbury said the former University of Washington star will play Sunday in Seattle. Technically, Baker is listed as questionable.
Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (hamstring) is ruled out for the first time since he's been injured. It'll be Hopkins' third straight missed game, more than he's had in his entire career coming into the year. Guard Justin Pugh (calf), linebacker Tanner Vallejo (knee) and running back Jonathan Ward (concussion) also won't play,
Kingsbury said guard Max Garcia (Achilles) has a chance to play. Also questionable are defensive tackle Corey Peters (shoulder) and safety James Wiggins (knee).
For the Seahawks, safety Jamal Adams (groin), linebacker Cody Barton (quadricep), defensive end Kerry Hyder (calf), tackle Jamarco Jones (back), and cornerback D.J. Reed (groin, knee) are all questionable.
MARCO WILSON'S PROGRESS
Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph remains bullish on rookie cornerback Marco Wilson, who has been starting all season.
"For the most part for a rookie corner, he's played nine games, it's been impressive," Joseph said. "He had the one bad PI (against Carolina) but for the most part he's been steady. He's calm. It's not too big for him, he studies."
It hasn't been perfect -- Pro Football Focus has the passer rating against him at 130.4, and Wilson does not yet have an interception – but Joseph emphasized he is sticking with the fourth-round pick.
"He's earned his way," Joseph said. "He's the starting right corner for us, and there hasn't been one game where I thought about taking him out."
