Marvin Harrison Jr.’s Week 15 Status Up in the Air as Cardinals Play It Safe
After returning to the field in Week 13 following an appendectomy, Arizona Cardinals rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. found himself back on the injury report-this time with a heel issue that sidelined him for the team’s Week 14 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.
Now, as Week 15 approaches, Harrison’s availability is once again uncertain. Head coach Jonathan Gannon didn’t offer any updates during Monday’s media availability, leaving fans and fantasy managers alike guessing. What we do know: the Cardinals aren’t in the playoff hunt, and there’s little incentive to rush their prized rookie back onto the field if he’s not fully healthy.
Gannon previously likened Harrison’s injury to the one suffered by cornerback Max Melton in Week 12-a heel issue that has already cost Melton two games. That’s not a great sign for Harrison’s immediate return, especially with Arizona playing the long game when it comes to the health of their young core.
The first real clue will come on Wednesday, when the Cardinals release their initial injury report of the week. Harrison didn’t practice at all last week, so any level of participation-limited or full-would signal progress. Until then, it’s a waiting game.
What This Means for Fantasy: Michael Wilson Keeps Rising
While Harrison’s absence is a blow to the Cardinals’ offense, it’s opened the door for second-year wideout Michael Wilson to shine-and he’s taken full advantage.
Wilson has topped 118 receiving yards in each of the three games Harrison has missed this season, including a two-touchdown performance last week that turned heads across the fantasy landscape. Since Week 11, no wide receiver in the NFL has outscored Wilson in fantasy points. That’s not just a hot streak-that’s elite production.
If Harrison is ruled out again in Week 15, Wilson becomes a no-brainer fantasy starter. His connection with quarterback Jacoby Brissett has been strong, especially on intermediate and deep routes where Wilson’s size and route-running have made him a reliable target.
Even if Harrison does suit up, Wilson still deserves lineup consideration. The chemistry with Brissett is real, and while Harrison’s return would likely eat into Wilson’s target share, it’s worth noting that Wilson has carved out a meaningful role in this offense. That said, when Harrison played in Week 13, Wilson managed just three catches for 36 yards-so expectations would need to be tempered.
Big Picture: No Need to Rush
With the Cardinals out of playoff contention, the focus shifts to development and long-term health. Harrison is a cornerstone piece for this franchise, and there’s no upside in rushing him back at less than 100%. Whether or not he plays in Week 15 will likely come down to how he responds in practice this week.
For now, keep an eye on the injury report and be ready to pivot. If Harrison sits, Wilson remains one of the best under-the-radar fantasy plays in the league.