Arizona Cardinals CB Byron Murphy active, J.J. Watt out vs. Chiefs

GLENDALE — Arizona Cardinals cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. is officially active for the team’s Week 1 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.

The cornerback entered the contest as questionable after missing practice on Friday with an illness.

It’s a good sign for an Arizona secondary that has been hit hard with injuries.

No. 2 cornerback Antonio Hamilton was placed on the non-football injury list on Sept. 1 following a freak cooking accident that left severe burns to his arm and feet and is out for at least four games. Recently acquired cornerback Trayvon Mullen, who figured to get some run in the season opener, was ruled out Friday with a toe injury stemming from last season.

Joining Murphy as active is tight end Zach Ertz (calf). Ertz also entered the matchup as questionable.

It’s not all good news, however, with defensive lineman J.J. Watt (calf) officially ruled out against the Chiefs.

He joins wide receiver Rondale Moore (hamstring), offensive lineman Cody Ford (ankle), offensive lineman Justin Pugh (neck) and Mullen as out. Rookies Trey McBride, Keaontay Ingram and Myjai Sanders are also inactive.

With Pugh out, the Cardinals could turn to backup guards Sean Harlow, Lecitus Smith or recently signed Max Garcia.

Defensively, Michael Dogbe and Jonathan Ledbetter could get some more run in Watt’s absence.

The Chiefs’ inactives include RB Ronald Jones, QB Shane Buechele, DE Joshua Kaindoh, OL Darian Kinnard, WR Daurice Fountain and DE Malik Herring.

The Cardinals are back in action against the Chiefs. Tune to 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station at 1:25 p.m.

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