Michael Wilson had sleepless nights, not knowing when – or even if – he would be in the position he finds himself on the eve of Week 18.
The wide receiver is 93 yards away from his first 1,000 yard season. While some might be looking ahead to the offseason, there's a hunger to finish the season strong as the Cardinals play the Rams in Los Angeles.
"Every time I step on the field, I'm going to make sure I give 150 percent and especially this last game, I especially want to end the season on the on a high note," Wilson said. "Because I don't want to go into the offseason thinking like, 'Damn, I completely didn't take the last game seriously.' It's just going to leave a bad taste in my mouth."
Accomplishing the goal would be the cherry on top of what has been a remarkable season for Wilson. After injuries devastated the team, Wilson was one of the guys that took advantage of the opportunity presented to him. With Marvin Harrison Jr. out after the appendicitis surgery and then a lingering heel/foot issue, Wilson slid into the WR1 spotlight.
From Weeks 1-5, Wilson had eight receptions for 52 yards. Since Jacoby Brissett took over as quarterback, Wilson has 65 receptions for 855 yards.
"I think it would be a heck of an achievement to get (1,000), not only for myself, but for my family, and especially just how I started," Wilson said. "To get this close, I'd be lying if I said that wasn't a goal that I wanted to accomplish."
During a year that had featured tons of adversity, the highlight-reel plays from Wilson and the historic campaign from tight end Trey McBride will be a few of the positives that will be remembered. Based on how both have handled answering questions from the media, it's clear they would trade in those accolades for victories.
But their individual success proved there is still fight in the team, even as Week 18 approaches.
"The Arizona Cardinal name on your chest and name on your back," coach Jonathan Gannon said when asked what his team has to play for this weekend. "They have fun playing football. I told them today (that) 'Two weeks from now you're going to be watching these games, and all these emotions are going to come up and they're not going to be good emotions.' I know that. That's how I feel. I know that's how they'll feel, so maximize the opportunity to go play a game."
Brissett told the media that he has been on different teams that featured players and coaches where "the game is Sunday, and guys are in Cabo on Tuesday (before)." But this team is different, the quarterback said, and has been focused on the Rams.
The Cardinals currently hold the fifth pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. The Raiders (2-14), and the Giants, Jets, and Titans (all 3-13) are ahead of the Cardinals.
When asked about emotions going into the week knowing this is the last game with the current roster before an inevitable offseason with changes, Gannon said the main focus is to enjoy being together one final time.
Wilson agreed with his coach. Beyond the potential of eclipsing 1,000 yards, he added that something even more important is on the line.
Pride.
"Nothing is guaranteed in the NFL," Wilson said. "It's a privilege and an honor to wear the Cardinals uniform, to wear any uniform. This tape is going to be evaluated by all by 32 teams the NFL. You would be foolish to go out there and not give it 120 percent."
PALMER PROMOTED TO ROSTER
With the open roster spot after Marvin Harrison Jr. was put on IR on Friday, the Cardinals promoted wide receiver Tejhaun Palmer to the roster from the practice squad on Saturday. Wide receiver Steven Sims and cornerback Jaden Davis were also elevated from the practice squad for the game.
