Arizona Cardinals’ Kyler Murray back at practice ahead of Panthers game

TEMPE — Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray was back out with the team during the open portion of practice on Friday, two days before the team takes on the Carolina Panthers in Week 10.

Murray was seen tossing passes to coaches and players, but did not appear to be stepping fully into his throws as he recovers from a left ankle sprain he suffered in the team’s sole loss of the season against the Green Bay Packers in Week 8.

“He’s progressing,” head coach Kliff Kingsbury said Friday. “Obviously, it’s good to have him out there. We’ll see how he feels tomorrow and Sunday and go from there.”

“He’s progressing. Obviously, it’s good to have him out there. We’ll see how he feels tomorrow and Sunday and go from there” – Kliff Kingsbury on Kyler Murray. pic.twitter.com/54bNxtNGtC

— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) November 12, 2021

The quarterback had missed the first two days of practice, though Wednesday was considered a walkthrough.

Limited or not, having Murray out there in some capacity is a positive sign that he is still trending in the right direction.

The jury’s still out as to whether or not Murray will be given the green light come Sunday. However, Murray did say Wednesday that he had made “crazy strides” in a positive direction.

Kingsbury said last week that he didn’t necessarily need to see the quarterback practice to play, as long as he got mental reps.

“He doesn’t have to be 100% but he’s got to be able to move enough to where he can protect himself, do what he does, escape, extend plays,” Kingsbury added Friday. “Things of that nature.”

If Murray ends up missing a second consecutive game, Arizona will once again turn to quarterback Colt McCoy.

The backup impressed last week, completing 84.6% of his passes for 249 yards and a touchdown. He chipped in 23 yards on seven carries.

EXTRA POINTS

– Aside from Murray, Cardinals safety Budda Backer, wider receiver Rondale Moore and defensive lineman Jordan Phillips were all present during the open portion of practice on Friday.

“[Baker] looks good, I expect him to play, Kingsbury said. “We’ll see [on Moore]. He’s progressing, hopefully he’ll be ready to go.”

– Those who missed included wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, running back Chase Edmonds and offensive linemen Max Garcia and Justin Pugh. Hopkins is considered a game-time decision, per Kingsbury.

– Kingsbury does not expect have offensive lineman Justin Murray available for Sunday.

The Cardinals take on the Panthers on Sunday at 2:05 p.m. Catch all the action at 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station.

Follow @Tdrake4sports