Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. will be sidelined for this week’s game against the Houston Texans due to a heel injury, as confirmed by head coach Jonathan Gannon. Fortunately, Gannon remains optimistic that the injury is not severe enough to end Harrison’s season.
The talented rookie returned to the field after a bout of appendicitis in Week 13 but was hampered by the heel issue during that game, leading to an early exit in the fourth quarter. This setback resulted in his absence during last week’s loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
Gannon provided an update on Harrison’s condition, stating, “He’s doing a lot better.” Following the Texans game, the Cardinals will face the Atlanta Falcons, Cincinnati Bengals, and the Rams to wrap up the season, with only the matchup against the Falcons occurring at home.
Without Harrison, second-year wide receiver Michael Wilson has taken advantage of the opportunity, showcasing impressive numbers in the lead receiver role. In the three games he has played without Harrison, Wilson has averaged 12 receptions for 148 yards per game, putting him on pace for leading statistics if maintained throughout an entire season. Conversely, during the ten games where Harrison was active, Wilson averaged just three catches for 27 yards per game.
This week’s challenge will be particularly tough for Wilson, as he will be up against a Texans defense that is statistically the best in the NFL in terms of points allowed.
The Cardinals are also feeling the strain of a depleted roster overall, with several key players sidelined alongside Harrison. Left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. (knee), safeties Jalen Thompson (hamstring) and Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (ankle), as well as cornerback Max Melton (heel) will also miss the game. However, running back Emari Demercado (ankle) and defensive tackle Walter Nolen (knee) are potential returns this week, adding some hope for the Cardinals.
If Demercado returns, he will likely resume his role as the Cardinals’ primary passing-down back, working alongside Bam Knight, the designated early-down back. The role of passing-down back has proven to be increasingly valuable given the Cardinals’ recent challenges on the scoreboard. Michael Carter has taken over for Demercado during his absence and has outperformed Knight in snaps over the past three weeks.
With determination and perseverance, the Cardinals aim to navigate their roster challenges and deliver a competitive performance against the formidable Texans.