Kyler Murray suffered an ankle injury last week against the Green Bay Packers. Initially, reports estimated a one-to-three-week recovery. Earlier this week, Arizona Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury said Murray was day-to-day. The quarterback isn't practicing today.
ESPN reports that Murray says the ankle feels "good" after the extended time following the team's Thursday night game. The Cardinals quarterback sounds confident that he will be ready to play on Sunday at Levi's Stadium against the division-rival San Francisco 49ers.
"I think I'll be good to go on Sunday if I just know the game plan and get the mental reps," Murray said via Josh Weinfuss.
Reporters noted that Murray did not appear bothered by his ankle while walking to the podium for his Wednesday press conference.
Added Murray: "Just taking it one day at a time, not really putting anything on it."
The 49ers aren't assuming anything at this point and preparing to face a Murray-led Cardinals offense. Today, head coach Kyle Shanahan was asked how the uncertainty surrounding Murray's status has impacted the game planning for this week.
"Not much because we're preparing like he's going to play," Shanahan told reporters. "So, we're not looking at it any differently. If he doesn't, we'll adjust to that."
That could mean facing former 49ers quarterback Colt McCoy rather than Murray. McCoy spent one season (2013) with San Francisco. So how much time is the 49ers defense spending this week looking at McCoy?
"For sure, a little bit," star linebacker Fred Warner responded. "Right now, we're anticipating that Kyler will play, and if anything else happens, we'll be prepared either way. I think when Colt plays, they still want to execute the same offense. It's just not as mobile of a quarterback, obviously."
Kingsbury feels confident that Murray could play this weekend even without the benefit of a week of practice.
"He is the type of player, with his ability and understanding of the system now, as long as he's getting the mental reps, we feel good about him going out there and executing," said Kingsbury.
The Cardinals coach noted that his quarterback would likely be a game-time decision.
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