Kyler Murray logged a full practice on Friday and does not have an injury designation heading into Sunday's matchup against the Patriots. The star quarterback was limited earlier in the week with an injury to his right shoulder but is good to go for Week 12.
Coach Kliff Kingsbury did not say if Murray will be restricted in any way by the injury, which Murray suffered when he was brought down on a sack early in Week 11 against the Seahawks.
"He's improved each day, which is encouraging," Kingsbury said. "We'll see what it looks like Sunday and kind of go from there. But I feel like we've definitely made progress."
Murray did less work than usual early in the week, toeing the line between preparing for New England and giving his shoulder time to heal.
The electric dual threat didn't run much against the Seahawks after the injury, which was similar to last year's season finale against the Rams, where a tender hamstring kept him largely immobilized.
Murray had zero rushing yards but threw for 325 in that 31-24 loss in Los Angeles. He had 269 passing yards and 15 rushing yards in Thursday's 28-21 loss to Seattle. Kingsbury was impressed with the way Murray adapted both times.
"(He) still hung in there and made some big-time throws and took some big-time shots and gave us a chance at the end," Kingsbury said. "I think that that shows a huge step in progression. You're not going to feel your best at this point in the season, none of those guys are that are back there taking snaps, and he understands that. I think mentally he's definitely taken that step where he knows he can still play at a high level even when he's not at his best."
If Murray has to leave the game with an aggravation, Chris Streveler will be next in line. Brett Hundley was the backup last season but has been inactive every week this year. Kingsbury said it's yet to be determined if Hundley will be active as more insurance behind Murray.
"Very confident in Chris," Kingsbury said. "He's really developed nicely from training camp on. Each week, he has the entire game plan, the entire install. He gets a bunch of extra reps with (assistant) Cam Turner, mental reps. Every time we've asked him to go in – any drill, two-minute – he's handled it really well. Not only the coaching staff, but the players have a lot of confidence that Chris can go in there and operate at a high level."
CARDINALS THIN AT WIDE RECEIVER
Larry Fitzgerald and Trent Sherfield were placed on the COVID-19 reserve list Thursday, and they won't play against the Patriots.
It leaves the Cardinals with only four wideouts on the active roster: DeAndre Hopkins, Christian Kirk, Andy Isabella and KeeSean Johnson. JoJo Ward and A.J. Richardson are the two wide receivers on the practice squad.
Kingsbury said running back Chase Edmonds – who regularly flexes out into the slot in empty backfield formations – and tight end Dan Arnold can also fill in as Fitzgerald replacements if needed.
"It's not ideal, but we definitely have some options," Kingsbury said.
MAURO WON'T PLAY ON SUNDAY
Defensive lineman Josh Mauro (hamstring) won't play against the Patriots, another blow to an already-thin position group. The Cardinals are currently without Corey Peters, Jordan Phillips, Leki Fotu and Rashard Lawrence on the defensive line, all of whom are on injured reserve.
It's unknown if Zach Allen (ankle) will return from injured reserve for this game, or if veteran addition Domata Peko will be ready after signing this week.
The others who won't play for the Cardinals are safety Jalen Thompson (ankle) and tight end Darrell Daniels (ankle). Safety Deionte Thompson is on the COVID-19 reserve list and not expected to play. Guard Justin Murray (hand) and safety Charles Washington (groin) are questionable.
For the Patriots, running back Rex Burkhead (knee) and tackle Isaiah Wynn (knee) are out. Those questionable are linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley (groin), defensive lineman Tashawn Bower (illness), defensive lineman Adam Butler (shoulder), defensive lineman Byron Cowart (back), defensive lineman Carl Davis (concussion), defensive back Kyle Dugger (toe), kicker Nick Folk (back), cornerback Stephon Gilmore (hand), wide receiver N'Keal Harry (shoulder), tight end Ryan Izzo (hamstring/hand), guard Shaq Mason (calf), wide receiver Matthew Slater (knee) and running back J.J. Taylor (quad).
