The Arizona Cardinals remain the best team in football, at least in the standings, at 8-1 as they enter Week 10.
But there are serious concerns surrounding the team because of injuries to key talent.
Luckily, the Cardinals were able to take down the San Francisco 49ers last week with Colt McCoy assuming the quarterback duties.
That win came without Kyler Murray, A.J. Green, and DeAndre Hopkins.
Chase Edmonds also only had one carry in the game.
Next up is a showdown with a Carolina Panthers team that just signed Cam Newton in an effort to save the season.
So are the Cardinals getting healthy?
Good news: The #AZCardinals activated WR AJ Green from the COVID-19 list.
Not as good news: QB Kyler Murray and WR DeAndre Hopkins were not spotted by local reporters during today’s practice. Neither was WR Rondale Moore.— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 11, 2021
Green is at least off the COVID list, but Murray and Hopkins are still not practicing.
That is a major concern given how tight the race is atop the NFC.
Outlook In Week 10 And Beyond
Getting off to an 8-1 start leaves the Cardinals in a good position moving forward.
And given the fact they just took down a healthy 49ers team while shorthanded, the Panthers are not magically a tougher matchup just because they signed Newton.
P.J. Walker may still start anyway because Newton signed on a Thursday.
Hopkins is dealing with a hamstring injury, and the depth on the roster should mean he gets the rest he needs.
If the Cardinals did not have Green or Christian Kirk, the absence would be a bigger concern.
Arizona plays Carolina this week.
Even if Murray and Hopkins are out, hardly going to be a challenge for them. https://t.co/nnt6vNMzEN
— Blogging The Boys (@BloggingTheBoys) November 11, 2021
As for Murray, the Cardinals did come out and say he could have played last week if it was a must-win or a postseason game.
So him missing practice may be about staying cautious and protecting the future of the franchise at a time when losing only drops the team to 8-2.
NEXT: Cardinals GM Comments On Kyler Murray's Status