Meaningful games are still being played in December.
At least that’s how it feels for many Cardinals players, especially Corey Kiner.
On Sunday against the Bengals, the running back, who was named Ohio’s “Mr. Football” after rushing for 1,866 yards and 35 touchdowns in 2020 and played his college football for the Cincinnati Bearcats, will play his first game in his hometown.
It’ll mark an important day in the Kiner household.
“Because I’ve been on practice squads the whole year at different places, my family hasn’t been able to see me play, but now, the whole family gets to see me play because everybody is from Cincinnati,” Kiner said. “My parents travel, but it’ll be the first for my grandmother, sisters, brothers, cousins, everybody.”
Having his family in attendance will be a nice touch, but the eyes he’s hoping to catch are those of the coaching staff and organization. With two games left on the calendar, the clock is ticking for players to make an impression for beyond this season.
Over the last few weeks, because of a desire to add depth, the Cardinals have signed multiple players from different practice squads. Kiner was poached from the Vikings, while earlier in the week, the Cardinals brought in kicker Joshua Karty from the Rams’ practice squad, and cornerback Kalen King from the Panthers.
Through two games, Kiner’s reps have been limited. He has eight rushes for 43 yards.
“The sense of urgency in my mind is always high, so each practice, regardless of what the circumstances are, I’m giving it my all because that’s just the way I operate and the way I was raised,” Kiner said. “Coming out of college and being a starter, it tests your patience a little bit, but it just goes to show that you’ve got to stay ready, because I wasn’t expecting it, but I got called up and I’m getting my opportunity now.”