There was an unexpected wrinkle in the Arizona Cardinals’ Wednesday practice: Michael Wilson showed up in a yellow non-contact jersey.
That was enough to raise eyebrows, especially since Wilson wasn’t listed among the notable absences during the portion of practice open to reporters and had appeared to come out of Week 7’s loss to the Denver Broncos without any injury concerns. Head coach Mike LaFleur also didn’t bring Wilson up in his morning press conference, making the jersey change a surprise.
Wearing that yellow jersey means a player can’t be blocked or hit in practice. It doesn’t automatically mean Wilson is in concussion protocol, but players moving through that process are often the ones seen in non-contact gear. LaFleur won’t address Wilson’s status again until Friday, when he meets with reporters next.
Arizona’s first injury report of the week is due later today, and that should offer a clearer picture of what Wilson is dealing with. The Cardinals are headed to Dallas for a Week 8 matchup with the Cowboys.
The concern lands at a time when Wilson’s production has already quieted down some since Marvin Harrison Jr. was traded. LaFleur was asked about that earlier this week, and he pushed back on the idea that Wilson has faded because of the numbers.
“I think if you take away the stats from it, he’s running good routes and he’s separating. He has drawn quite a few penalties this year as well.
I mean that got us going there on that third drive (of the game). With that being said, I know he can still make that play - for himself too, but (it’s) just kind of the momentum of making a play as opposed to a penalty," LaFleur said, reflecting back on his performance against the Broncos.
"I mean he (Broncos CB Riley Moss) held him. We told the official it was going to be a double move.
He ran the double move. It was a really good route and the guy held him.
That was clearly a penalty, but again, I know we can make that play. Then he drew another one a little bit later, but our pocket collapsed right away.
To me, when we’re clicking on all cylinders, those are touchdowns. He ran right by the guy off the double move.
He’s doing a lot of good things. He obviously hasn’t had the stats and that’s kind of what you’re insinuating right there.
"Again, all he can do is control what he can control - win his one-on-one matchups when the ball’s thrown to him, catch it, and then obviously try to stay grounded and make as much ‘YAC’ (yards after the catch) as he can.”
If Wilson can’t go, it would be a significant hit to Arizona’s offense.
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