Vikings Express Disappointment as Corey Kiner Departs for Cardinals: ‘He Had the Potential to Be a Key Piece’
The Minnesota Vikings have faced a tough setback as promising young running back Corey Kiner was poached by the Arizona Cardinals from the Vikings' practice squad. The loss of Kiner has left many within the organization disappointed, especially considering the potential the young back showed during his time with Minnesota.
In a statement addressing the move, a Vikings representative expressed their disappointment: “Losing Corey Kiner is a tough blow for us. He had the potential to be a key piece in our future, and it’s disappointing to see him go. But the NFL is a business, and we wish him nothing but success with the Cardinals.”
Kiner, 23, was an undrafted free agent out of the University of Cincinnati, where he had an impressive college career, racking up over 2,500 rushing yards and leading the team with consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. After joining the Vikings practice squad in September 2025, Kiner showed flashes of potential in limited opportunities, which made his departure all the more surprising. Despite his raw talent and promising skill set, he never saw game action for the Vikings during the 2025 season.
While Kiner's potential was recognized, he found himself competing for a spot in a crowded running back room. With established players and rising stars ahead of him, the opportunity for significant playing time was limited. It seems that the
From the Vikings’ perspective, the loss of Kiner represents more than just a roster move. It highlights the constant balancing act that NFL teams face — keeping young, developing players while also managing established rosters with immediate needs. Kiner’s departure, though disappointing, also reflects the reality of the NFL as a business, where talent is always in demand, and players have to seize their opportunities when they arise.
For the Cardinals, signing Kiner is an investment in the future. With injuries and turnover plaguing their backfield, the Cardinals are hoping that Kiner can bring fresh legs and the potential to contribute in a more prominent role. Arizona is hoping that the running back can tap into the promise he showed in college and become an integral part of their offense.
The Vikings, meanwhile, will now have to regroup and focus on their next steps in the backfield. With the departure of Kiner, the team may look to add depth to the position, either through their existing roster or by seeking out new talent.
While the loss of Kiner is a blow, the Vikings remain committed to their long-term vision. As they navigate the remainder of the 2025 season, the team is focused on strengthening their roster and continuing to build for the future.
Insiders sound alarms about Colts' Daniel Jones amid injury worries
Some previously viewed Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones as a legitimate candidate for the 2025 Most Valuable Player Award after he guided the Colts to seven wins over the season's first eight weeks.
The Colts have since lost three of four games to fall to 8-4, and it's now known that Jones is playing with a reported fracture in his fibula. For an article published on Wednesday, ESPN NFL insiders Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano shared some worrisome information about Jones' performances over the past month.
Opposing coaches can see Daniel Jones isn't healthy
"He's clearly not 100 percent, and coaches I've talked to who have either prepared for the Colts or watched them closely say that his mobility appears compromised," Fowler wrote about Jones. "It's also, based on my understanding after asking around, an injury that he can play through. In other words, I'm not so sure a few weeks of rest will make the issue better. And Jones is very tough and willing to push through. But the Colts are on the ropes and will need him at his best. Their scoring output has dipped 12 points per game since Week 9."
According to Pro Football Reference, Jones was responsible for four interceptions and seven fumbles (three lost) from Week 9 through Week 13. In Indianapolis' 20-16 loss to the Houston Texans this past Sunday, he completed 14-of-27 pass attempts for 201 yards and two touchdowns. That said, ESPN's Stephen Holder mentioned that Jones connected on only 2-of-11 passes when under pressure against Houston.
How Daniel Jones' injury is impacting the Colts' offense
"I spoke with some folks in Houston after the Texans-Colts game Sunday, and they said they felt as if Jones really couldn't move at all," Graziano added. "He was able to hit some shots downfield when the pocket held up, but the mobility part of his game is missing, which makes the offense seem more limited."
The Colts and Jacksonville Jaguars are tied atop the AFC South standings at 8-4. Those two teams will meet at Jacksonville's EverBank Stadium on Sunday, and DraftKings Sportsbook had the Colts as 1.5-point favorites for that matchup as of Wednesday.
Indianapolis will host Jacksonville in Week 17.
