Marvin Harrison Jr.’s Status for Week 16: What We Know Heading Into Cardinals-Falcons Matchup
It’s been a frustrating rookie campaign for Marvin Harrison Jr., and not just because of the typical learning curve that comes with adjusting to the NFL. The Arizona Cardinals’ top wideout has battled through a string of setbacks - from early-season drops to a recent stretch of injuries that have kept him sidelined for four of the last five games.
Harrison’s absence has been felt in an already thin Cardinals offense. First came an appendectomy that knocked him out for two games.
Then, just as he returned, a heel injury flared up and forced him to miss two more, including Sunday’s Week 15 contest. That’s four missed games in five weeks for a player Arizona hoped would be a cornerstone of their rebuild.
So where do things stand heading into Week 16 against the Atlanta Falcons?
Still Up in the Air
As of now, Harrison’s availability remains uncertain. There’s cautious optimism that he could return this week - think of it as slightly better than a coin flip. But there are still hurdles to clear.
Head coach Jonathan Gannon hasn’t offered a firm timetable, but he did say last week that Harrison is “doing a lot better,” and emphasized that the team expects him to play again this season. That’s encouraging, but not exactly a green light for Sunday.
One key detail: Harrison didn’t practice at all last week. That’s usually a strong indicator that a player isn’t close to game-ready. If he’s going to suit up against the Falcons, we’ll likely need to see him at least get in a limited session when the Cardinals release their first injury report on Wednesday.
Bigger Picture: What’s the Motivation?
With the Cardinals officially out of playoff contention, there’s no competitive urgency to rush Harrison back. But there are still reasons to watch this closely.
For one, these final three games are valuable reps for Harrison - a chance to build chemistry with quarterback Kyler Murray, get more comfortable in the offense, and end a rocky first year on a high note. That kind of momentum can matter heading into the offseason.
There’s also the reality that Gannon may be coaching for his future. Arizona has shown flashes, but the results haven’t been there consistently. If Gannon wants to finish strong and make a case for continuity, having his most talented receiver on the field could be a big part of that.
What to Watch
Wednesday’s practice report will be the first real clue. If Harrison is listed as a limited participant, that would be a meaningful step in the right direction. If he’s still not practicing, it’s hard to envision him being active on Sunday.
For now, it’s a waiting game - but one worth keeping an eye on. Harrison’s return wouldn’t just give the Cardinals a boost; it would give fans a glimpse of what the future could look like when their young star is finally healthy and back in rhythm.