Practice Window Opens For Rashard Lawrence

Kliff Kingsbury said he was “hopeful” earlier Monday when it came to the health of key offensive players Kyler Murray, DeAndre Hopkins and Justin Pugh returning to play this week.

On the defensive side, the window for defensive tackle Rashard Lawrence — who remains on injured reserve with a calf injury — to practice was officially opened.

The Cardinals have 21 days to activate Lawrence to the roster, or leave him on IR for the balance of the season. Lawrence has been on IR since Nov. 6, missing the requisite three games.

The practice window officially closed on offensive lineman Justin Murray last week as he stayed on IR. He was not able to return from his back injury, so Murray’s season is over.

The Cardinals still have two players on IR who they hope to return sooner than later that must miss at least one more game on IR: long snapper Aaron Brewer (broken arm) and running back Chase Edmonds (ankle).

The Cards play in Chicago Sunday, with their next game at home on “Monday Night Football” against the Rams.