Big Red
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- Mar 16, 2019
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Cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. and outside linebacker Devon Kennard won't play against the Dolphins on Sunday after testing positive for COVID-19, but that is currently the extent of the cases on the team.
Coach Kliff Kingsbury said Wednesday morning that no one else has tested positive after Murphy and Kennard's results came back this weekend.
"Every day you wake up, check your email and kind of pray," Kingsbury said. "To this point, there have not been any new positives."
Kingsbury said he has heard that Murphy and Kennard are facing "minimal symptoms, if any" and the team is hopeful to have them back in Week 10 against the Bills.
Kennard is expected to be replaced in the starting lineup by the recently-acquired Markus Golden, who was drafted by the Cardinals and played the first four years of his career with the team.
Kevin Peterson could get the first shot to fill in for Murphy at nickel cornerback, with De'Vante Bausby another option, although he has been with the team for less than week. Kingsbury said it will be tough to make up for Murphy's absence.
"We really have been impressed by his development in Year 2," Kingsbury said. "He's playing at a high level. Very competitive, whether it's corner or inside. So it will be a mix between some guys. K.P. has had some work here recently, and we'll see how that rotation plays out."
Kingsbury said practice squad cornerback Prince Amukamara is still working his way into shape. The Cardinals seem to have several options to replace Murphy, as safety Budda Baker has experience in the slot while the athleticism of De'Vondre Campbell and Isaiah Simmons could allow the defense to remain in base more often.
"That's a thought – different personnel groups to help with the loss of Byron," Kingsbury said. "De'Vondre and Isaiah have great length and range that we felt like we were in short supply of last year. Those tight ends were having monster game after monster game. I thought Steve (Keim) did a great job of addressing that, and hopefully those guys continue to play at a high level."
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