Kyler Murray to be game-time decision vs. 49ers due to ankle injury

Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury said he's certain that Kyler Murray will be a game-day decision Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers due to an ankle injury, according to team reporter Darren Urban.

However, Kingsbury was open to the idea of Murray playing even if he can't participate in practice throughout the week.

"He has got that type of ability," Kingsbury said Wednesday. "If it was earlier in his career, probably not. His understanding of the system now and some of the pieces that we have around him, I feel good about that."

Murray favored his ankle following a game-sealing interception during Thursday's loss to the Green Bay Packers. The injury was reported to come with a recovery timetable of one-to-three weeks, though the Cardinals were hopeful the extra rest following the Thursday game would aid him.

The 2019 first overall pick said he believes he can suit up as long as he's able to protect himself in the pocket, even at the cost of eliminating his rushing ability.

"I don't need to run," Murray said. "There is a difference between running and protecting yourself, and you can't just be a sitting duck in the pocket."

Kingsbury says the Cardinals will do what's best for the organization and for Murray's health.

The 24-year-old has been an early MVP candidate after leading the Cardinals to a 7-1 record. He's thrown for 17 touchdowns to seven interceptions while adding another three scores with his legs.

Veteran signal-caller Colt McCoy would be in line to start if Murray is sidelined.