Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is a game-day decision to play in Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers, coach Kliff Kingsbury said on Friday.
Hopkins is bothered by an ankle injury he sustained in last Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions. He missed all three practices this week and the Cardinals listed him as questionable on their injury report.
Hopkins, who was acquired from the Houston Texans in the offseason, leads the NFL in both receptions (32) and receiving yards (356). It would be a major blow if he sits out against the Panthers.
“We’ll see,” Kingsbury said. “He’s been working through it and there has been progress, but I don’t think we’ll know until Sunday. We’ll see how he feels. If he can go, he’ll go, but we don’t want to put him out there — it’s early in the year — if he isn’t feeling his best.”
Fellow receiver Christian Kirk (groin) also is a game-time decision. Kirk missed last week’s game and Kingsbury said, “I wouldn’t say he’s 100 percent yet.”
Two-time Pro Bowler Budda Baker (thumb) and Chris Banjo (hamstring) will miss the game at a time when starter Jalen Thompson (ankle) remains sidelined, leaving the Cardinals without their top three safeties.
Others listed as questionable are cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick (head), linebackers Dennis Gardeck (foot), Devon Kennard (calf) and Tanner Vallejo (illness) and offensive lineman Mason Cole (hamstring).
Also, the Cardinals signed reserve offensive tackle Justin Murray to a two-year extension through the 2022 season. Murray, 27, started 12 games at right tackle last season and also plays both guard spots.
