Cardinals’ Robert Nkemdiche, Markus Golden ‘hopeful’ for Sunday

Arizona Cardinals head coach Steve Wilks said he is ‘hopeful’ defensive linemen Robert Nkemdiche and Markus Golden can play in Sunday’s game against division rival San Francisco 49ers.

Nkemdiche is battling a foot injury but it is unclear when the injury occurred. He was limited in Thursday’s practice and missed practice on Friday.

“I wanted to give him an extra day just to make sure that he’s fine and ready to go for the game,” Wilks said Friday.

The Cardinals training staff reportedly examined Nkemdiche’s foot during Thursday’s practice. The-24-year-old also hurt his knee in the Cardinals’ 16-14 loss against the Chicago Bears on Sept. 23.

The third-year pro has two sacks and two forced fumbles through four games with Arizona.

The Cardinals drafted Nkemdiche No. 29 overall in the 2016 NFL draft.

Golden was also limited in practice on Thursday and missed Friday’s practice as he tries to get back to full strength from his ACL tear he suffered in in Week 4 of last season.

Golden played his first of two games this season since the injury in the Cardinals’ game against the Bears.

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