Fitzgerald told Jim Gray on SiriusXM on Friday that he doesn't feel compelled to play "right now," according to Kevin Patra of NFL.com. "I don't know how I'll feel in September, October, November moving forward but I just, today, I just don't have the urge."

EDGE Analysis

After seasons before 2021, Fitzgerald has made a fairly quick decision to return to the fold, so it's notable that he hasn't made a firm call on the doorstep of the upcoming campaign. And the prevailing sentiment surrounding Fitzgerald has oscillated wildly this offseason, with Cards execs expecting him to retire back in April, the wide receiver hinting to Jim Trotter of NFL.com before training camp that he remained undecided and now Friday's noncommittal comments. As Fitzgerald mentioned to Gray, "Football is not one those games you want to walk out there and play and not be fully engaged." Ultimately, pragmatism implies we won't see Fitzgerald in an NFL game this season, but he has yet to make a call, one way or another.

Fitzgerald remains undecided on his status for the upcoming season, Jim Trotter of NFL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Since the conclusion of the 2020 campaign, it has been widely acknowledged by those in league circles that Fitzgerald was expected to retire, but with training camps about to open the itch to play may be coming back for the 17-year vet. According to Trotter, Fitzgerald relayed there's "no new news," and he's "still not under contract," but he has yet to make a call on his playing future. Trotter relayed the Cardinals "definitely would like to have him (Fitzgerald) back if he wants to play," and "there is a spot for him" if he makes such a decision. Assuming he returns, Fitzgerald would be in line for a much smaller role than in his first two seasons under coach Kliff Kingsbury, when he averaged 6.2 targets per game en route to a combined 129-1,213-5 line in 29 contests. Currently, DeAndre Hopkins, A.J. Green, Christian Kirk and rookie second-rounder Rondale Moore occupy the top spots on Arizona's wide receiver depth chart.

Cardinals executives expect Fitzgerald to retire, Mike Sando of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 37-year-old wideout is an unrestricted free agent, following a 2020 campaign with career lows for catches (54), yards (409) and touchdowns (one). The Cardinals' signing of A.J. Green was one hint at Fitzgerald retiring, and while it hasn't actually happened yet, an announcement could be coming at some point this spring/summer. It's also possible Fitzgerald surveys the landscape for opportunities with a different team, though he'd be unlikely to find any assurance of regular playing time.

Coach Kliff Kingsbury said Monday that Fitzgerald (groin) may take "awhile" to make a decision about whether to return for an 18th season in 2021, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports

EDGE Analysis

Fitzgerald has taken his time on such a call in each of the previous four offseasons, informing the Cardinals that he was putting off retirement for another year between mid-January and mid-February. He may do the same this time around, but after a campaign in which he missed game action for the first time since 2014, he may be closer to hanging up the cleats than at any other point. Fitzgerald also managed career-worst marks across the board -- 54 catches, 409 yards and one touchdown on 72 targets -- while tying his career low with 13 appearances (he also did this in 2006). He currently sits No. 2 all time in receptions and receiving yards behind Jerry Rice, with the former in reach if Fitzgerald decides to play another two or three seasons (he's 117 behind Rice). Fitzgerald isn't under contract for 2021, so the Cardinals likely will give him all the time he needs regarding his future.

Fitzgerald (groin) is listed as inactive Sunday versus the Rams in L.A., Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

After failing to practice this week due to a groin injury, Fitzgerald's availability for Week 17 came down to a game-time decision. The Cardinals opted to make him unavailable for this must-win contest, so they'll be down Fitzgerald and Christian Kirk (undisclosed) after the latter was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Saturday. Behind top wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, KeeSean Johnson, Andy Isabella and Trent Sherfield are on hand for reps at the position.

The Cardinals aren't optimistic that Fitzgerald (groin) -- who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Rams -- will be able to play, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

Schefter notes that with the Cardinals having placed fellow wideout Christian Kirk on the reserve/COVID-19 list, Fitzgerald "could try to surprise" and give it a go in the regular-season finale, but for now, the team is "not counting on having him available." Resolution on Fitzgerald's status one way or the other should arrive around 2:55 p.m. ET, when the Cardinals release their inactive list 90 minutes prior to kickoff. KeeSean Johnson and Andy Isabella could both end up filling starting roles at receiver along with top target DeAndre Hopkins if Fitzgerald ends up inactive.

The Cardinals list Fitzgerald (groin) as questionable for Sunday's game against the Rams, Katherine Fitzgerald of The Arizona Republic reports.

EDGE Analysis

According to Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site, head coach Kliff Kingsbury said Fitzgerald's Week 17 status would come down to a game-day decision after the wideout was unable to practice in any capacity this week. Look for the Cardinals to put Fitzgerald through a workout Saturday or early Sunday, with confirmation on his status one way or the other set to arrive no later than 90 minutes before the game's kickoff at 4:25 p.m. ET, when the team releases its inactive list. Arizona would likely turn to KeeSean Johnson to join DeAndre Hopkins and Christian Kirk in three-receiver sets if Fitzgerald can't gain clearance for the regular-season finale.

Fitzgerald (groin) was a non-participant at Thursday's practice, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Cardinals have held Fitzgerald out of the first two sessions of Week 17 prep, leaving his status cloudy for Sunday's clash with the Rams. He can turn the tide with an appearance Friday, but in any case the team seems poised to tab him with a designation for game day. If Fitzgerald eventually is inactive this weekend, Arizona likely will turn to KeeSean Johnson in three-wide sets with DeAndre Hopkins (hip) and Christian Kirk.

Fitzgerald (groin) isn't present for Thursday's practice, Kyle Odegard of the Cardinals' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Fitzgerald is poised to go down as a non-participant on the Cardinals' first two Week 17 practice reports, leaving his status in question for Sunday's game against the Rams. If the veteran wideout can't suit up in the regular-season finale, KeeSean Johnson would likely be the top candidate to join DeAndre Hopkins (hip) and Christian Kirk in three-receiver sets.

Fitzgerald (groin) didn't practice Wednesday, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's been a rough last month of the season for Fitzgerald, who missed two games after testing positive for COVID-19 and now tending to a groin injury the last two weeks. Since returning to action Week 14, he's also hauled in 11 of 15 passes for just 73 yards and one touchdown. The top of the Cardinals' receiving corps is banged-up at the moment -- DeAndre Hopkins missed Wednesday's session with a groin issue -- so the group will need to be watched closely as the week proceeds.