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."
The final pair of games isn't just important for the younger players. With his contract expiring at the end of the season, it was necessary for defensive lineman L.J. Collier to put some games on tape after a Week 2 knee injury placed him on Injured Reserve.
Since joining the team in 2023, it was Collier's second long-term injury. He tore his bicep in his first season.
"When things aren't going your way, man, it was very important that I get to control my narrative for this year and the beginning of next year and I get to control how I finish and what goes on past this year," Collier said.
When asked if there is any added pressure knowing there are only two games left to show the front office his ability, Collier had a one word response.
"None.
"There have been times when the contract is on the line, but I'm a firm believer in the football Gods," he added. "I like to quote movies, and I like what Al Pacino said in 'Any Given Sunday,' when he said, 'Anything can happen on a Sunday, it's just which guy believes they can do it more.'"
Understandably, some fans have opted to look ahead to the draft, an opinion which Collier recognizes that they are entitled to feel. But as players in the building, each week there's a hope and expectation to win.
That's what makes games in December meaningful, regardless of the record.
"The fans deserve wins, and the fans supports us and deserve a winning season, fam," Collier said. "I feel like this team is on the cusp of being great. It don't seem like it because we've had more injuries than you can think of, but guys competed. Bro, I still say that the sky is the limit here. It's a great place and it's due for greatness, especially in the years to come. We're all patiently waiting, but it will happen eventually."
