DeAndre Hopkins speaks on being game-time decision again for Cardinals vs. Bears

Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury told reporters on Friday DeAndre Hopkins and Kyler Murray will be game-time decisions for the road game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday.

That's the fourth consecutive game Hopkins and Murray have questionable status. They've missed Arizona's past three, starting on Nov. 7 at San Francisco 49ers, their Week 10 home loss to the Carolina Panthers, and their latest win at Seattle Seahawks before their bye last week through Thanksgiving.

Hopkins and Murray have been out because of their hamstring and ankle injuries, respectively.

Kyler Murray was seen at practice during the open media portion on Friday, but Hopkins was not. Kingsbury said the team is "overly cautious" to not risk Hopkins reinjuring his leg through their final six games to finish the season like last year when they missed the playoffs.

"We're just being smart," Kingsbury said about Hopkins. "We just want to make sure he feels really good for this stretch run, so we'll see how he progresses, run him on Sunday and see if he can go."

Hopkins returned to the Cardinals practice on Wednesday for the first time since Oct. 22. Hopkins was there on Thursday as well, limited participation in both days.

"It’s tough. I’m a competitor," Hopkins said about how he feels while watching games from the sideline. "I'll forget I’m not in my pads sometimes and want to run on the field."

Kingsbury said Murray has "done better this week" in his limited status since Wednesday in hopes he will be ready for Sunday's game.

Hopkins has been a man of mystery for Cardinals practices this season.

That's mainly from his multiple injuries, and has been veteran-rested usually on Wednesdays. Hopkins hurt ribs after their home win over the Minnesota Vikings on Sept. 19, which held him back from their Week 3 practices before they beat the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sept. 26.

He's practiced just six times in October before he hurt his hamstring in Arizona's home win over the Houston Texans.

"A lot of rest is key," Hopkins said. "You guys report a lot of players who are injured, so time and rest is one of the best things and the staff here did a good job of getting me prepared to be able to play this week."

In addition to his love of showing up on game day ready to memorize crowds with his bag of tricks running routes, the Cardinals' top wide receiver said being out hasn't been too mentally tough for him because of his family's support.

"I got a supporting cast outside of the football field — my family, my mom, my sisters — so, football is fun," Hopkins said. "I’ve been through a lot of real life scenarios that are more mentally challenging than missing a couple games, and then being the No. 1 seed in the NFL."

Cardinals WRs shine in Hopkins' absence

The Cardinals' wide receiver room is one of the NFL's most talented, and it shows through Hopkins' absence.

Arizona peaked as the league's third-best passing offense through their first three games, dropped to 11th through Week 7 in late October. Since Hopkins and Murray have been sidelined, Cardinals backup QB Colt McCoy and their receivers have helped them hover around the top 10, and are 11th following their win over Seattle.

“It’s been tremendous. Guys knew they had to step up and they have. Antoine Cox-Wesley just does it right: anytime the ball comes his way, he finds a way to make a play. Christian Kirk, all day every day, is doing everything right in and out of the building. Rondale (Moore), for a young guy, he’s very studios, conscientious, and then A.J. Green is the consummate professional."

Hopkins isn't surprised by his fellow wideouts' production.

"I expected those guys to do that," Hopkins said. "I had no doubt they would go out and do what they did ...

"They all practice like they want to be the No. 1 receiver and we all push each other."

Hopkins helps CBs prepare for Bears

Chicago currently is last in the NFL in passing offense. But Cardinals rookie cornerback Marco Wilson and their secondary won't take that stat for granted.

Wilson said Arizona's defense has game-planned for both Bears QBs Justin Fields and Andy Dalton, who have switched off on plays during games this season. Bears coach Matt Nagy named Dalton the starter and Nick Foles as their backup while the run-heavy Fields is listed as doubtful (ribs) against Arizona.

"They have some good quarterback play. They have two quarterbacks they can put in the game, so that’s good for them," Wilson said. "They’ve got some dynamic receivers that we gotta look out for."

Wilson said Hopkins has helped the Cardinals CBs get in the mind of a receiver in practice.

"I’m always asking him because a receiver like him, who’s one of the best in the league, probably the best in the league who’s been doing it as long as he is, he probably seen a lot of things," Wilson said.

"I’m constantly asking him what can I do better here? How can I make this play better? How are you thinking as a receiver in this situation if I do this? So, Hop has been really helpful with that. I appreciate that, grateful to have an older guy like that who I can talk to and get some knowledge from."

Beachum donating backpacks to 500-plus students

Cardinals right tackle Kelvin Beachum has partnered with global humanitarian charity World Vision to provide backpacks and essential school supplies to over 500 kindergarten through eighth grade students at Sun Valley Academy in Phoenix.

Beachum will dress up as Santa Claus at the giveaway, which takes place on Monday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

Injury report, game status

Other questionable Cardinals besides Hopkins and Murray for Sunday are cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. and left guard Justin Pugh. Murray and Murphy were both limited in practice Friday.

Hopkins, Pugh and safety James Wiggins did not participate in practice, and Wiggins will be out against Chicago. Offensive lineman Max Garcia had a full practice.

Bears who did not practice and will be out Sunday include defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. (ribs), defensive tackle Akiem Hicks (ankle), WR Marquise Goodwin (foot/ribs), and running back Damien Williams (calf). Fields was limited, WR Allen Robinson II did not practice (hamstring) and he's doubtful for Sunday. LB Roquan Smith was limited on Friday and is questionable. Other Chicago injured players who practiced in full contact were Tashaun Gipson Sr. (chest), tight ends Jimmy Graham (rest) and Cole Kmet (groin).

Have tips for us? Reach the reporter at dana.scott@azcentral.com or at 480-486-4721. Follow his Twitter @iam_DanaScott.

Support local journalism. Start your online subscription today.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Hopkins, Murray are game-time decisions again for Cardinals vs. Bears