Arizona
Kliff Kingsbury: DeAndre Hopkins’ return in Week 7 ‘is going to uplift us’
The Arizona Cardinals’ 19-9 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 6 represented extra than simply one other blemish within the win-loss column.
It marked the final recreation with out No. 1 broad receiver DeAndre Hopkins.
The receiver, who has been sidelined for the primary six video games of the season resulting from a PED suspension, is eligible to return again in Week 7.
Hopkins has been in a position to make use of the staff facility in a restricted capability since Week 4 however will now be capable of follow and attend group exercises when the staff reconvenes forward of a Thursday Night time Soccer matchup towards the New Orleans Saints.
“Each time I see him, I’ve obtained an enormous smile on my face,” quarterback Kyler Murray mentioned Wednesday. “He’s obtained an enormous smile, too. Simply having him round and understanding how a lot he loves it and the way a lot he misses it. … He’s one among our leaders and we are able to’t wait to have him again.”
The broad receiver’s return couldn’t come at a greater time for a Cardinals offense that has floundered by means of many of the season.
Within the staff’s loss to the Seahawks on Sunday, the Cardinals offense was held to simply three factors towards a protection that entered Week 6 permitting the second-most factors per recreation at 30.8.
Getting a participant of Hopkins’ caliber again within the fold will hopefully transfer the needle in the proper course for the Cardinals.
“He’s a playmaker, clearly,” head coach Kliff Kingsbury instructed Cardinals sideline reporter Paul Calvisi after the loss to the Seahawks. “His stage of competitiveness, the way in which he practices, the way in which he talks, it’s going to be good for us. It’s going to uplift us and it’s a tall job for him on a brief week going into Thursday evening, however I’m positive he’ll be fired as much as play.”
Whereas Hopkins is scheduled to be again at follow this week, the identical can’t be mentioned for fellow broad receiver Hollywood Brown, who injured his foot late within the loss and needed to be helped off the sector.
The broad receiver was seen in a boot and strolling with a noticeable limp after the sport and instructed reporters X-rays have been unfavorable. With a fast turnaround this week, although, his standing for TNF may be very a lot up within the air.
Brown has been the Cardinals’ No. 1 receiving choice this season, pacing Arizona’s move catchers throughout the board statistically. He had 5 catches for 68 yards Sunday earlier than exiting the sport.