Kingsbury superstitious in Cardinals' win streak, Edmonds, Pugh game-time decisions vs. Rams

Kliff Kingsbury has taken an if-it-ain't-broke-don't-fix-it approach to winning to his face.

After being clean shaven for most of the season, the Cardinals coach said he refuses to remove his beard since the Cardinals' worst loss of the season, 34-10, at home against the Carolina Panthers on Nov. 14.

Kingsbury revealed to reporters after their Saturday practice he's been superstitious by not shaving his stubble-to-full beard while the Cardinals (10-2) are on their second win streak this season.

"If we’re winning, the beard is not being shaved ... as long as that streak keeps going," Kingsbury said. “Whatever it takes to win, I have no pride when it comes to that."

Arizona won its last two games at Seattle Seahawks on Nov. 21 and at Chicago Bears last Sunday. Their first win streak was when they were 7-0 earlier this season before they lost at home to the Green Bay Packers on Oct. 28.

After that streak, the Cardinals lost two of three games between Weeks 8 and 10.

After Kingsbury was asked if he plans to grow it longer like Rock and Roll Hall of Fame rock band and his fellow Texas natives ZZ Top's guitarists' memorable chest-length beard, Kingsbury said, "Whatever it takes to keep it rocking."

The Cardinals have the chance to clinch a playoff spot for the first time in six years and the NFC West title on Monday at home against the Los Angeles Rams (8-4).

Kingsbury's superstition is like the Cardinals pass rusher Chandler Jones, who wore what he believes are his lucky cleats when they play against the Seahawks.

Jones saved those cleats after one of his career-best games getting four sacks in their win at Seattle in 2019. In the Cardinals' recent 23-13 win there, Jones had two sacks, total of four tackles, three quarterback hits, a forced fumble, entered the top 10 all-time for most sacks at Lumen Field, and was named Week 11's NFC Defensive Player of the Week.

Murray calls facing Rams' Donald, Miller 'honor'

Kyler Murray said on Thursday his ankle was sore after the Cardinals beat Chicago in his first game back after missing their previous three, but he's good to play at home against the Rams.

But the real test of his ankle will come as Arizona's offensive lineman try to contain Los Angeles' elite pass rushers Aaron Donald and Von Miller.

“That’s kind of what you … well, I didn’t sign up for it, but, you know, you get drafted to the Arizona Cardinals, I mean, the first thing you think about is, ‘Damn’ (laughs)," Murray said. "You already know who you gotta go against. It is what it is. You play in these games, you play in this division, you find out who’s real and who’s not real quick."

Murray will be as elusive as he can be on his tender ankle against Donald, who tends to rush through the interior and Miller comes from the edge.

But Murray exalted them, and looks forward to the opportunity to play against them.

"It’s an honor to be up playing against those guys. He’s gonna go down as one of the best, Von Miller is going to go down as one of the best," Murray said. "They got a lot of guys over there who are really good. If you’re the ultimate competitor, this is what you dream of, this platform, this job. It’s everything I ever dreamed of. I don’t shy away from it.”

Edmonds, Pugh questionable vs. Rams

Kingsbury said two Cardinals starters, Chase Edmonds, Justin Pugh and long snapper Aaron Brewer, will be game-time decisions on Monday.

The three players were designated to return from the injured reserve on Wednesday.

Edmonds and Pugh started in Arizona's first nine games before they suffered injuries in a road win over the San Francisco 49ers on Nov. 7. Brewer has been on the IR since Nov. 11 and Edmonds was placed on it two days later. Edmonds and Pugh returned to limited participation in practice Thursday through Saturday.

Open roof for Rams-Cardinals game

State Farm Stadium's retractable roof is expected be open when the Cardinals host the Rams on Monday night, kicking off at 6:15 p.m.

The weather is expected to be clear and temperature low of 50 degrees.

Baker misses practice for child birth

Budda's baby is finally here.

Cardinals safety Budda Baker was out from Saturday's practice as his girlfriend Tiffany gave the birth of their first child.

"I know he was in anticipation of being a father," Kingsbury said about Budda Baker's absence.

Baker tweeted about the birth on Saturday, and the baby's weight is eight pounds, 14 ounces.

That's the second child birth this season for the Cardinals since kicker Matt Prater's wife birthed their family's fourth child on Nov. 17.

Injury report, game status cont'd

Besides Edmonds, Pugh, Brewers ruled questionable against the Rams, Cardinals defensive lineman Zach Kerr will be out against the Rams.

Tight end Zach Ertz (shoulder), cornerbacks Byron Murphy Jr. (foot) and RB Jonathan Ward (illness) were full participants.

Rams starting RB Darrell Henderson was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list, and CB Robert Rochell (chest) was put on the IR Saturday. Henderson will be replaced by Sony Michel if he can't play on Monday. Offensive lineman Brian Allen (knee) did not practice and is doubtful against Arizona. CB Donte Deayon (illness) did not practice, outside linebacker Terrell Lewis (back) was limited and both are questionable for Monday. Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., Donald and tackle Andrew Whitworth were rested from practice. Miller, WR Cooper Kupp, and OL David Edwards fully practiced.

Have tips for us? Reach the reporter at dana.scott@azcentral.com or at 480-486-4721. Follow his Twitter @iam_DanaScott.

Support local journalism. Start your online subscription today.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Cardinals RB Edmonds, LG Pugh, LS Brewer game-time decisions vs. Rams