As the Arizona Cardinals prepare to host the Atlanta Falcons in Week 16, both teams are dealing with a long list of injuries - and many of the names on that list are starters. With playoff hopes dimming and pride on the line, every snap counts, and availability could be the deciding factor come Sunday.
Let’s break down the final injury report for both squads heading into this NFC clash.
Cardinals Injury Report: Harrison Trending Toward a Return
The big headline in Arizona is the status of rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. After missing four of the last five games due to appendicitis and a nagging heel injury, he’s officially listed as questionable - but all signs point to him suiting up.
“Good enough to go. We’ll see Sunday,” Harrison said after Friday’s practice.
That’s about as optimistic as you’ll get from a player still working his way back. Head coach Jonathan Gannon added earlier in the day, “I thought he looked pretty good,” after Harrison logged a limited practice Thursday and another Friday.
His return would be a massive boost for a Cardinals offense that’s been searching for consistency in the passing game. Even in limited action, Harrison has shown flashes of being a true No. 1 option.
But the injury list doesn’t stop there - and it’s loaded with starters.
Out for Sunday
- LG Evan Brown (personal): DNP all week.
This will be his third straight missed game due to a family matter.
- LT Paris Johnson Jr. (knee): DNP all week.
A tough loss on the edge for a line that’s already thin.
- S Jalen Thompson (hamstring): DNP all week.
His absence leaves a big hole in the secondary.
- CB Darren Hall (concussion): DNP all week.
- CB Max Melton (heel): DNP all week.
That’s three starters on the offensive line and two key pieces of the secondary ruled out. Not exactly ideal against a Falcons team that can stress you in both trenches.
Questionable
- WR Marvin Harrison Jr. (heel): Limited all week, but trending upward.
- ILB Cody Simon (knee/ankle): Limited all week.
- S Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (ankle): Limited all week.
- WR Xavier Weaver (hamstring): Limited all week.
- **DL L.J.
Collier** (knee): Full participant all week while still on injured reserve. His 21-day practice window is closing, so there’s a decent chance he gets activated Saturday.
With 10 starters on the injury report, this is one of the most banged-up weeks the Cardinals have had all season. And in a game that could swing either way, depth will be tested in a big way.
Falcons Injury Report: London, Dorlus Among Questionables
Atlanta’s injury list is long, but the impact might not be as severe - depending on how a few questionable players trend over the weekend.
Out for Sunday
- WR KhaDarel Hodge (shoulder): DNP all week.
He was placed on injured reserve Friday afternoon.
- CB Mike Hughes (ankle): DNP all week.
A key rotational piece in the secondary.
Questionable
- DT Brandon Dorlus (illness/shoulder): Missed Thursday, limited Friday.
His availability will be one to watch.
- WR Drake London (knee): Limited early in the week, but did not practice Friday - never a good sign for game-day readiness.
- DE James Pearce Jr. (foot): Did not practice Friday after missing the first two days entirely. His status looks shaky.
No Game Status (Expected to Play)
Several key starters, including RB Bijan Robinson, TE Kyle Pitts, and LT Jake Matthews, are good to go after managing rest or illness-related absences earlier in the week. S Jessie Bates III, DE Leonard Floyd, and ILB Kaden Elliss also appear ready for action.
What It All Means
This game is shaping up to be a battle of attrition as much as anything else. The Cardinals are without multiple starters on both sides of the ball, particularly on the offensive line and in the secondary. That could spell trouble against a Falcons defense that has shown flashes of dominance up front.
On the flip side, Atlanta’s biggest question marks are on the offensive side - particularly with Drake London’s knee issue. If he can’t go, it puts more pressure on Bijan Robinson and the run game to carry the load.
Keep an eye on Saturday’s roster moves, especially in Arizona. If L.J. Collier is activated, it could give the Cardinals a much-needed boost on the defensive line.
Bottom line: Both teams are limping into Week 16, but the ones who can patch things up fastest - and protect their quarterback best - will have the upper hand.