The Arizona Cardinals will be without receiver DeAndre Hopkins for at least the rest of the regular season. He suffered a knee sprain in the final minutes of their 30-23 loss to the Los Angeles Rams and might need surgery. They are hopeful that he can return at some point during the playoffs but, in the meantime, the Cardinals have a hole at receiver.
There happens to be a receiver the Cardinals can turn to and set up a potential storybook ending — Larry Fitzgerald.
Fitzgerald has never closed the door officially on a return to the Cardinals. He has not publicly stated he is retiring from the NFL.
This is the perfect opportunity for him to come back for a potential title run if he wants.
He has said that the only reason he would play is to try and get a championship. The Cardinals are 10-3 and well on their way to the playoffs.
It is undeniable that fans would want him back on the field and to be able to start the “Larry! Larry!” cheers at State Farm Stadium.
His play and his energy often are the catalyst for rallies at home. It might be exactly what the Cardinals need to improve their play at home, where they have lost three straight games.
The stage is set.
But we can’t expect more than what it is.
Fitzgerald is not a real replacement for Hopkins.
He is not likely in playing shape.
He doesn’t play the same position as Hopkins.
General manager Steve Keim has said the door is open for Fitzgerald to return if he wants.
But there is a final chapter to his career that the entire league has wanted to be written.
He can come back and be part of a playoff push where the Cardinals get their first Super Bowl. He gets his title. Fans get their closure and that closes the book.
It all comes down to the man himself. Is he really done with football or does he want to give it one last run?
The stage is set. The door is open. A final chapter, heroic or tragic is ready to be written.
If Fitzgerald ever were going to return, this is the chance. If he doesn’t, then it is time to accept the fact that he is, in fact, retired and the next things we can expect from him is an entry into the Ring of Honor, perhaps a retired number and, of course, a Hall of Fame enshrinement.
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