We may not know if quarterback Kyler Murray or wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins will be available for Sunday's matchup between the San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals until game day. Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury said today that both would be game-time decisions.
#AZCardinals Kliff Kingsbury says QB Kyler Murray (ankle) and WR DeAndre Hopkins (hamstring) will both be game-time decisions this Sunday against the 49ers
— Dani Sureck (@DaniSureck) November 5, 2021
The 49ers defense isn't taking any chances. They are game-planning as though they will face Murray at Levi's Stadium on Sunday.
"We are still preparing for Kyler to be the quarterback and until we hear anything else different," defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans said on Thursday. "That guy's been a competitor all his career throughout college and in the NFL. So, fully expecting him to play."
One Cardinals beat writer, Johnny Venerable of GoPHNX.com, doesn't envision Murray or Hopkins playing against the 49ers.
I do not expect either Kyler Murray nor DeAndre Hopkins to play Sunday against the 49ers.
— Johnny Venerable (@JohnnyVenerable) November 5, 2021
This week, head coach Kyle Shanahan was asked how the uncertainty surrounding the status of the opposing quarterback has impacted the game planning for this week.
"Not much because we're preparing like he's going to play," Shanahan responded. "So, we're not looking at it any differently. If he doesn't, we'll adjust to that."
This morning, general manager John Lynch said he expects his team to see Murray on Sunday.
"I don't have anything to go on that," Lynch added. "I know he hasn't practiced for a couple of days (and then was out again today), but you try to read through the lines on press conferences. And he's just a competitive dude who hasn't missed a whole lot. So, I expect to see him. I think you always have to [expect that] and plan for that, and then you adjust out from there.
"So, I would think the same for him and Hopkins, and we'll see. But that's our expectation, that we see those guys."
San Francisco will likely face former 49ers quarterback Colt McCoy if Murray cannot play. McCoy spent one season (2013) with the Niners.
