Fitzgerald: Kyler can lift Cardinals during Hopkins' absence

Larry Fitzgerald believes Kyler Murray is more than capable of carrying the Arizona Cardinals while DeAndre Hopkins serves his six-game suspension.

"Obviously, the schedule's really tough early in the season. I know they're going to be without (Hopkins), but I know Kyler has the ability and the fortitude to be able to lift this team up," Fitzgerald said Friday on "NFL Total Access," according to NFL.com's Grant Gordon.

Hopkins' discipline stems from a violation of the league's performance-enhancing drug policy. The Cardinals noticeably struggled without their star wideout last year, going 3-4 in the regular season without him.

However, Fitzgerald feels Murray's natural ability and an emerging offense will be able to get the job done.

"There's nobody in the game as talented as, as diverse an array of abilities in terms of his athleticism, his ability to throw the ball going left or right," Fitzgerald noted. "He's immensely talented. He's a guy that everybody around the league has to prepare differently for."

He continued: "You bring in (Marquise Brown), Zach Ertz is now coming into his second year, better acclimated with the system. James Conner is fully healthy going back into the year. I really like where they are positioned."

Fitzgerald, who last played in 2020, enjoyed two seasons as Murray's teammate. The 38-year-old spent his entire 17-year career in Arizona and ranks as the franchise leader in receptions (1,432) and receiving yards (17,492).

Murray's contract status with the Cardinals has also been a hot topic this offseason. It was reported the star quarterback wouldn't attend training camp without a new deal. Head coach Kliff Kingsbury said he was "praying" an extension would be reached before then.

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