Arizona Cardinals fans have been enjoying the 2021 season so far.
The team is 9-2 and has recently gone 2-1 without Kyler Murray on the field under center.
Colt McCoy should get free drinks wherever he goes in Arizona, if he doesn’t already.
Both Murray and DeAndre Hopkins have been sidelined with injuries and the team took a cautious approach with both stars.
That paid off and the Cardinals are now fresh off a bye week getting ready to take on the Chicago Bears.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport provided an update that all Cardinals fans are happy to hear.
From TNF First Look: The #AZCardinals are expected to have both QB Kyler Murray (ankle) and WR DeAndre Hopkins (hamstring) on the field this Sunday, barring a setback, sources say. pic.twitter.com/jZrIgIgbbw
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 2, 2021
So barring some unforeseen setbacks, both Murray and Hopkins are expected to be back on the field this Sunday as the Cardinals continue to fight for the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoff picture.
Cardinals Getting Back To Full Strength
The Cardinals are 9-2 even with plenty of adversity in the form of injuries.
Murray and Hopkins are the two biggest names to miss time, while J.J. Watt was also ruled out with season-ending shoulder surgery.
Or so it seemed.
Even Watt may make a late-season return, according to recent reports.
#Cardinals DE JJ Watt (shoulder) was spotted doing some conditioning with an athletic trainer during practice today. Kliff Kingsbury later said he won't rule out a late-season return.
Watt tweeted after practice: “Only those who attempt the absurd can achieve the impossible.”
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) December 1, 2021
A longer season means players now have more time to recover before the postseason.
The Cardinals may also add another bye week if they can get the top seed, prolonging the time until their postseason begins.
There is obviously still a long way to go this season.
The Cardinals have six more games and enter Week 13 at 9-2, while the Green Bay Packers are right there at 9-3.
So unless the Cardinals win out, the race for the top NFC spot is going to be interesting.
Getting Murray and Hopkins back is a huge bonus and fans will soon get to see the offense whole again after a month where McCoy was left to lead the way.
