Cardinals WR DeAndre Hopkins, QB Kyler Murray easing back in practice

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TEMPE — The Arizona Cardinals saw one of their biggest pieces offensively in wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins make his return to the practice field on Wednesday as the team ramps up to face the Chicago Bears on Sunday.

“Good to have them moving around and back with the team,” Cardinals head coach Kingsbury said of Hopkins and quarterback Kyler Murray, who also went through limited work. “We want to make sure they feel good and kind of ease them back into the week. Tomorrow they’ll have pads on. Hopefully, they can do a little bit more.”

Hopkins hasn’t played since the team’s Thursday Night Football loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 8 after suffering a hamstring injury. He missed a total of three games with the ailment.

The wideout, who typically gets Wednesday off, has recorded 35 receptions for 486 yards and seven touchdowns, which paces all Cardinals pass catchers this season.

DeAndre Hopkins out making one-handed catches Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/ZTVZEwMVkc

— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) December 1, 2021

It’s an encouraging sign for the Cardinals, who also saw Murray back out on the practice field in some extent to start the week in preparations for the Bears.

Murray returned to practice the Friday before the Carolina Panthers game in Week 10 and was a limited participant ahead of the Seattle Seahawks matchup two weeks ago prior to the bye.

The signal caller said two weeks ago he felt like he has made crazy strides since suffering an ankle injury against the Packers.

Despite missing three games, Murray has thrown for 2,276 and 17 touchdowns to seven interceptions on 72.7% passing. He’s also ran the rock 49 times for 147 yards and three scores.

EXTRA POINTS

– Kingsbury said left guard Justin Pugh (calf) is a game-time decision for Chicago.

– Aside from Hopkins and Murray, offensive lineman Max Garcia and defensive lineman Rashard Lawrence were also present Wednesday.

– Defensive lineman J.J. Watt and long snapper Aaron Brewer were on the side doing some conditioning with training staff.

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