Cardinals prep for no Kyler Murray, who is gametime decision vs. Rams

TEMPE, Ariz. — Arizona Cardinals backup quarterback Brett Hundley has gotten the majority of practice reps ahead of Kyler Murray this week, and whether the rookie starter will play against the Los Angeles Rams this Sunday will be a gametime decision.

The team is preparing for Murray to miss the season finale due to a hamstring tweak.

Hundley got extended work with the first teamers all week, and head coach Kliff Kingsbury said Friday that practice squad quarterback Drew Anderson will be activated before the Rams game.

What would allow Murray to play in the Week 17 game in Los Angeles?

“I want him to be able to play his game,” Kingsbury said. “Obviously his ability to move and make plays with his feet and feel confident in doing that is a big part in that. I don’t want to put him out there if he’s not feeling 100% against a very good Rams defense and a very good defensive line that’s gotten after people. That’s not fair to him.

“We’ll make sure he’s feeling great about the situation. If he’s not, I really like what I’ve seen out of Brett in practice.”

Murray injured his hamstring last Sunday in the third quarter of a 27-13 win over the Seattle Seahawks.

Hundley replaced him and completed 4 of 9 passes for 49 yards. He also ran six times for 35 yards.

The 26-year-old backup, who had appeared briefly in a blowout loss to the New Orleans Saints back on Oct. 27, has enjoyed getting work in with the first teamers.

“Honestly it’s not like I’ve taken a rep with the ones, I mean, not even in training camp,” Hundley said. “There has to be mental reps, timing. That’s what it comes down to. Just trusting your guys to be there.”

The protection for either Murray or Hundley may take a hit due to other injuries.

Kingsbury sounded optimistic after left guard Justin Pugh (back) was limited in Thursday’s practice, but tight ends Charles Clay (calf) and Darrell Daniels (biceps) have not participated in practice up through Thursday. Tight ends Maxx Williams and Dan Arnold remain healthy, but Kingsbury expected Arizona to be limited at that position come Sunday.

For the rest of the offensive linemen, it will be business-as-usual regardless of which quarterback is playing.

“Brett’s a pro,” left tackle D.J. Humphries said.

“I think they’re both one of those guys that are kind of like, ‘I’ll run when I have to,'” he added. “They’ll sit in the there, sit in a perfect pocket and deliver the perfect throw, and that’s love for an offensive lineman ’cause you hate to make the perfect pocket and have ’em take off.”

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