Cardinals' Rodney Hudson not at mandatory camp; coach seems confident in contract for Kyler Murray

TEMPE — With quarterback Kyler Murray present and participating in the first day of the Cardinals' mandatory minicamp Tuesday morning, the most glaring absence on the roster was that of three-time Pro Bowl center Rodney Hudson.

It wasn't an excused absence, Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury said following practice, and didn't go into detail about the reason for Hudson not being there.

"We're working through something with him," Kingsbury said of Hudson. "Soon as we know, we'll have that updated."

Asked if he could say anything more about Hudson, Kingsbury said he could not at the moment. Any reason is possible, among those the possibility that Hudson is contemplating retirement after 11 seasons and being a month away from his 33rd birthday, or that he is dissatisfied with his current contract that runs through the end of next season.

Hudson is subject to a fine totaling up to $93,000 for an unexcused absence if he misses the entire minicamp. The team can opt to waive the fine if it believes the player is acting in good faith and a resolution can be found.

That contract was restructured prior to last season.

The situation creates a question mark at the center position that didn't seem to be present before. Guard Justin Pugh has gotten some snaps at center as has offensive lineman Sean Harlow, and the Cardinals have sixth-round draft pick Lecitus Smith who can play the position.

Pugh said he could see himself playing center, having maxed out as far as salary at guard.

"So it's like why not go out there and try to play center in this offense with Kyler, because center is a very important position. And we've shown we've prioritized that position," Pugh said. "And there's a lot of centers that play older in their years because physically it's not as demanding. Mentally it's much more intense. And that's where I think I can still succeed at that position."

Praying to pay Murray

Murray being on the field Tuesday seemed to bring optimism about the Cardinals soon signing the fourth-year quarterback to a contract.

Murray threw passes and did some drills on the field but did not speak to reporters after the workout. But Kingsbury said getting the contract situation resolved is crucial.

"There's no doubt, he's the leader of this franchise. You know, we're about to make him, I'm sure, the highest-rated player in this franchise's history and so he understands what comes with that. And the guys know what he can be at his best, and anytime we can get the whole band out there, things pick up," Kingsbury said.

Kingsbury set a hopeful timeline for when he'd like Murray to be signed.

"I'm praying before training camp," he said. "I just want him there Day 1 of training camp."

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Kingsbury said he frequently exchanges texts with Murray but not about football.

"I think Steve (Keim, GM)  myself, Michael (Bidwill), we all understand what he can be and where we want to take this thing with him as a leader," Kingsbury said of Murray.  "And so I think it'll be great energy for this entire organization when that's wrapped up."

More news and notes

*WR DeAndre Hopkins is working his way back from knee surgery late last season. He must sit out the first six games of the season due to being suspended by the NFL. "He's close. You know, we're being really cautious. Obviously, without him playing the first six weeks and that's been our biggest thing, putting together a plan through training camp, through the next four weeks that doesn't build him up and ramp him up like he's about to play Week 1," Kingsbury said of Hopkins, who had 42 catches for 572 yards with eight touchdowns in 10 games last season.  "But he looks great. He's excited. He's frustrated he can't play the first six. But like I said before, I think we'll get the best version of him. Those last 11 will be fun to watch."

*Kingsbury said the Cardinals will end minicamp after Wednesday's practice, doing what they have done in the past by shutting down a day earlier than the scheduled June 14-16 dates.

*Kingsbury said running back Eno Benjamin, the former Arizona State star, has been "tremendous" in camp sessions, and is playing like an NFL starter.

*Kingsbury will take a few weeks after the end of minicamp to get away before he returns to work on training camp plans, saying he is headed out of the country.

The Republic's Bob McManaman contributed to this report.

Get in touch with Jose Romero at Jose.Romero@gannett.com. Find him on Twitter at @RomeroJoseM. 

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Cardinals without Rodney Hudson, hopeful to re-sign Kyler Murray