Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray on field, not in action in front of fans at open practice
The Cardinals opened the doors to State Farm Stadium for the first of 10 training camp practices open to public viewing with quarterback Kyler Murray not taking part and only on the field watching Saturday's session.
Murray was given Saturday off to rest his arm, with head coach Kliff Kingsbury explaining that Murray had reported to the team along with the rookies back on July 21 and had been throwing a lot.
Murray did have some discomfort in his right wrist. Kingsbury didn't say that was the reason his quarterback didn't practice. On Friday, Murray had team medical staff checking his wrist during practice, but he continued on and finished the day.
Kingsbury was asked about dealing with any backlash from not having Murray taking part in front of a big crowd of fans, fresh off signing his big contract extension and publicly defending his reputation in light of an 'independent study' clause that had been in his contract.
READ MORE: 'The damage is done' in Murray clause saga
"We can handle it in July. It's in January that it gets tough," Kingsbury said.
Center Rodney Hudson was given a day off and running back James Conner was limited in his participation in Saturday's practice. Offensive tackle D.J. Humphries has not yet practiced, but Kingsbury hopes to have him back from illness next week.
Backup quarterback Colt McCoy ran the No. 1 offense with Murray observing from nearby. Trace McSorley worked with the No. 2 unit.
Tennessee practice info
The Cardinals have announced that they will hold two days of practices in Nashville on August 24 and 25, prior to facing the Tennessee Titans in a preseason game on August 27.
The team leaves Arizona on August 23, and will hold practices at Saint Thomas Sports Park, the Titans' training facility.
"I know the type of camp that (Titans) Coach (Mike) Vrabel has. A very talented team there, they were the No. 1 seed in the AFC last year," Kingsbury said. "So to get that speed and work during the week and not have to play the guys in the game, I thought that was important. I talked to Coach Vrabel, it's not going to be one of those knock-down, drag-them-out type of situations. We'll do some situational stuff and get some good competition going."
Pads on next week
The Cardinals get Sunday off, and after Monday's practice will put on the pads for the first time Tuesday. Monday's session is also open to the public but requires a registration for free tickets via the team website.
Kingsbury said the Monday practice will be at full speed, but not for every drill as the team eases things after a day off. Then on Tuesday, the intensity goes up and continues into Wednesday and Thursday practices.
Back Together Saturday
Kingsbury delivered a pre-practice speech to the crowd, drawing cheers, and with that, the team began its normal camp practice routine. The difference being what appeared to be a couple of thousand of onlookers along both sidelines in the lower deck of State Farm Stadium, and a live DJ playing music.
Kingsbury walked over to one end and signed autographs while the team stretched. Fans cheered individual plays and waved red and black flags handed to them as they walked into the stadium.
Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins took part in practice, getting in some work though he will be suspended when the regular season begins. Hopkins caught a pass late in the session against the coverage of defensive back Byron Murphy, drawing some of the loudest cheers.
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Hopkins is glad to get on the field and play, even if it is only to stay sharp. He enjoyed seeing fans.
"These are some of the best fans in the NFL. Since I've been here, they always support us win or lose. There's definitely some tough fans, but you know, they're some of the best," Hopkins said.
When practice ended, Kingsbury brought the team together at midfield and led them in waving to the fans. Then players walked to the sidelines to sign autographs.
Quick out
•Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph said his arm injury that required surgery is an old football injury. He said he is sore after the "minor" surgery which has his arm in a cast, though it hasn't kept him from work.
Get in touch with Jose Romero at Jose.Romero@gannett.com. Find him on Twitter at @RomeroJoseM.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Kyler Murray out, DeAndre Hopkins in for Cardinals at public practice
