It's hard for any player to miss games due to injury, but especially so when he is atop the NFL leaderboard in a statistical category.

Such is the case for Cardinals safety Tre Boston, who is tied with nine others for the NFL lead with three interceptions. Boston missed Thursday night's loss to Denver with injuries to his shoulders and ribs. None of the other players have passed him up yet, but Boston knows the longer he sits, the more likely he loses ground.

"Right now I'm tied for first and I've already missed one game," Boston said. "That's something that makes me want to get back out there. But when I get back it's all God's plan. People understand, 'Hey, he missed this many games and his stats are still among the best with the rest.'"

Boston had five interceptions last season for the Chargers, which was tied for fifth in the NFL. He has picks this year against the Bears, 49ers and Vikings. Boston was injured when he caught an errant Kirk Cousins throw in Minnesota. While the injury was unfortunate, Boston was glad it didn't come on a missed opportunity.

"I caught the ball, right?" Boston said. "That doesn't suck. I'll take it."

Boston isn't sure when he will return to the field. The Cardinals missed his presence against the Broncos, particularly on a 64-yard touchdown pass to Emmanuel Sanders.

When he does return, Boston will resume his quest to lead the NFL in interceptions. If he falls short, there will be a caveat.

"Just remember to tell the story when I come back of how many games I missed," Boston said.