Big Red
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- Mar 16, 2019
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The Cardinals are tracking to have two key starters back on Sunday, as cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. and outside linebacker Devon Kennard were activated from the COVID-19 reserve list in advance of Wednesday's practice.
The pair missed the Week 9 loss to the Dolphins after testing positive for the coronavirus.
The Cardinals were hit particularly hard at cornerback last week, as Dre Kirkpatrick (thigh) was inactive and reserve fill-inKevin Peterson suffered a concussion early in the game. Murphy's best position is slot cornerback but he has also shown the ability to play outside, and could be used in either spot depending on the status of Kirkpatrick.
The Cardinals lost outside linebacker Chandler Jones (biceps) for the year in mid-October, but if Kirkpatrick and defensive tackle Jordan Phillips (hamstring) can play Sunday, the defense would be pretty healthy overall.
"It'll be nice this week to get those bodies back and feel more healthy with that unit, and have some experienced players out there," coach Kliff Kingsbury said. "We're all excited to see how we play on Sunday with that group."
The Cardinals' defense has a tough test, as Bills quarterback Josh Allen has made major strides as a passer this season and Stefon Diggs, John Brown and Cole Beasley is a talented receiver trio. The Cardinals are allowing 22.5 points per game this season, eighth-best in the NFL.
"It's going to be a big challenge for us, but this defense, as long as we take it day-by-day and week-by-week, we feel like we'll be good," safety Budda Baker said.
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