Big changes are shaking up the Arizona Cardinals' backfield, revealing the unpredictable nature of roster management in the NFL—where opportunities can suddenly open or close for players. But here's where it gets controversial... The team recently made a significant move by signing rookie running back Corey Kiner, while also parting ways with Jermar Jefferson. This shuffle not only adjusts their current lineup but also illustrates the ongoing balancing act of team strategy, player health, and future potential.
On Tuesday, the Cardinals announced that they had added Kiner to their active roster by elevating him from the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad. Simultaneously, they signed linebacker Eku Leota to their practice squad and released Jermar Jefferson from the main roster. Alongside these changes, the practice squad running backs Montrell Johnson Jr. and Sincere McCormick were also let go.
Currently, the roster is left with four running backs actively benched while there are no backups on the practice squad. Meanwhile, Trey Benson (who is recovering from a knee injury) remains on the injured reserve list under the designated to return protocol. The Cardinals activated Benson’s 21-day practice window starting November 19, which means they must decide whether to bring him back by December 10; otherwise, he will miss the rest of the season.
Benson has faced limitations in his practice participation recently, being non-communicative in recent sessions and not having played since Week 4. Similarly, Emari Demercado has been sidelined for the last two games, mainly due to an ankle injury, and did not practice at all last week. In their recent loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Bam Knight and Michael Carter shared the running back duties.
Let's now take a closer look at Corey Kiner, the newly signed rookie. Kiner was a college standout at LSU and Cincinnati, though he went undrafted this past spring. He initially joined the San Francisco 49ers during the offseason but suffered a high-ankle sprain during a preseason game against the Raiders—an injury that cast doubt on his immediate future. After being waived with an injury designator, he was signed to the Vikings’ practice squad.
Standing at 5'9
