The Arizona Cardinals weren’t sure if Kyler Murray or DeAndre Hopkins would be available for Sunday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers. Turns out, neither will play in Week 9 as both players were listed inactive by the Cardinals.
Murray injured his ankle 10 days ago in a loss to the Green Bay Packers, on Rasul Douglas‘ interception that sealed the victory for Green Bay. The Cardinals were optimistic Murray would be able to play, despite the quarterback not practicing all week. Colt McCoy will start for Murray as Arizona looks to hold on to their lead in the NFC West.
Hopkins, like Murray, was listed as questionable heading into the game. He had a hamstring injury which kept him out of practice throughout the week. In his nine-year NFL career, this is just the third game Hopkins has missed as he has a reputation of playing through injuries and getting on the field. A.J. Green, Christian Kirk, and Rondale Moore will be in line for more targets with Hopkins out.
Murray remained confident heading into the week he would play, but Arizona doesn’t want to risk the long-term health of its franchise quarterback in a 17-game season. The Cardinals are still in prime position to clinch a playoff berth and have another half of the season to play.
The 49ers are now 5.5-point favorites, via Caesars Sportsbook, after opening as 2.5-point underdogs early in the week.
