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Kyler Murray: "Crazy For Me" To Meet LeBron James

Notes: Edmonds unconcerned about RB touches; Patrick Peterson practices

Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (in purple sweater) watches the Suns take on the Lakers on Tuesday.
Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (in purple sweater) watches the Suns take on the Lakers on Tuesday.

Kyler Murray sat in expensive courtside seats for the Suns-Lakers showdown on Tuesday night, but it was an in-game interaction that was truly priceless.

The Cardinals' rookie quarterback received a handshake from Lakers superstar LeBron James during a break in the action -- a player Murray idolized growing up.

"It was crazy for me," Murray said. "He's like Michael Jordan to kids my age. Getting to watch him up close and then him acknowledging me at the game was pretty dope."

Murray tried to downplay the encounter to his teammates, but running back Chase Edmonds wasn't letting him off the hook.

"I was already giving him some stuff about it," Edmonds said. "Just telling him he was the man. He got the dap with LeBron. He was feeling himself. But that was a cool experience for him, and he deserves it. Kyler has been playing sensational, really, truly."

While James is one of the most recognizable athletes on the planet, Murray is not that far behind. He won the Heisman Trophy at Oklahoma and became the first person in history to go top-10 in the NFL and Major League Baseball drafts.

Murray was the No. 1 overall pick by the Cardinals in April and is off to a great start to his career.

"It's definitely game recognizes game," Edmonds said. "Especially when it's LeBron James. He's not taking the time to dap up everybody that's courtside."

Murray reflected on the fact that there are kids right now watching him as he did with James.

"It's everything I've dreamt of, where I thought I'd be at this point in my life," Murray said, "but it's kind of crazy that it's actually happening."

EDMONDS NOT WORRIED ABOUT BACKFIELD TOUCHES

Edmonds is averaging 5.1 yards per carry this season, but it's unclear if he will have a role on offense upon his return from a hamstring injury. The Cardinals traded for Kenyan Drake after Edmonds got hurt against the Saints and still have David Johnson.

Edmonds said the divvying up of the playing time is something "that's not even going to be on my mind."

"However that gameplan dissects itself out, that's how it goes," Edmonds said. "I'll tell you the first thing I said my rookie year. If I've got to go back to being a special teamer, whatever they want me to do, I'll do it. I've got no complaints."

Edmonds believes he could return as soon as Dec. 1 against the Rams.

"I'm shooting for after the bye week," Edmonds said. "Point-blank, period."

PATRICK PETERSON LIMITED AT PRACTICE

Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury said the team worked out cornerbacks on Tuesday in case depth was needed, but there was good news on that front. Patrick Peterson (calf) and Tramaine Brock (hamstring) both practiced in a limited capacity on Wednesday. Others limited were right tackle Justin Murray (knee), center Lamont Gaillard (thumb), linebacker Dennis Gardeck (ankle) and defensive tackle Rodney Gunter (calf). Murray missed the past two games but seems on the comeback trail.

Those who missed practice were Edmonds, defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard (foot), defensive lineman Zach Kerr (knee), outside linebacker Terrell Suggs (hamstring/back) and tight end Maxx Williams (illness). Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald and outside linebacker Chandler Jones were given rest days.

The 49ers did a walkthrough, but tight end George Kittle (knee/ankle) would have missed practice and coach Kyle Shanahan said he will miss the game. Wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (ribs) wouldn't have practiced and is expected to be a game-time decision, per Shanahan. Others who wouldn't have practiced were kicker Robbie Gould (quadricep), tackle Joe Staley (finger), running back Matt Breida (ankle), linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (concussion) and defensive tackle D.J. Jones (groin).

Those who would have been limited were tight end Garrett Celek (back), defensive end Dee Ford (quad), running back Raheem Mostert (knee), tight end Levine Toilolo (groin) and cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (foot/quad).

The Cardinals cheerleaders performed alongside Ray Parker, Jr. at halftime of the 49ers game

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