Kei'Trel Clark watched his cornerback teammates Garrett Williams and Max Melton exit the game with knee injuries, both needing help to get to the locker room.
It hurt.
"I started shedding tears because these are my brothers, so I don't like seeing them go through that," Clark said. "I would rather them be healthy, but if they go down, they got to be able to trust me to get in the game and finish what they started."
That's what Clark and rookie corner Denzel Burke were faced with Sunday as the Cardinals hung on to beat the Panthers at State Farm Stadium. Burke had three pass deflections and was lined up outside -- opposite of Will Johnson -- for majority of the game.
On his 10th snap of the game, Clark broke up a Bryce Young pass intended for Brycen Tremayne on third-and-15 with 38 seconds left on the clock. Defensive tackle Calais Campbell sacked Young on the next play to secure the 27-22 victory.
"Staying ready started in the process of the week, like, you can't just get ready on game day," Clark said. "You've got to get ready in your preparation every single day. You've got to be consistent in your approach, just like you were playing in the game. Even though I haven't been in the game, I knew what was going on."
Coach Jonathan Gannon was uncertain about the extent of Williams and Melton's injuries. Johnson, the Cardinals' second-round pick, also left the game with a groin injury.
Fortunately for the Cardinals, Burke and Clark have played a lot of football. Sunday marked Clark's 30th game since getting drafted in 2023. Burke started all 51 games he played during his four years at Ohio State.
"High leverage snaps there," Gannon said. "They both stepped up to the plate and swung their bat and we needed it."
Gannon was pleased with Clark's involvement on special teams, recording two tackles. He had not had a stat on special teams prior.
It's a testament to both Clark and Burke they were thrown into the fire during the heat of the game. Upon Clark's defensive arrival, the momentum had shifted in favor of the Panthers after they recovered an onside kick with 1:58 left.
Despite the shakiness and nerves as the Panthers were driving down the field, Clark had full confidence that he would finish what had already been started.
"It starts with the little details of things, and I think that's where (the belief) comes from with everybody holding each other accountable," Clark said. "Whenever it's the fourth quarter and we're up by five, nobody is wavering. We all had a belief and there's no doubt."
