Durability was never supposed to be part of the conversation surrounding Marvin Harrison Jr.. For years, availability defined him. He never missed a game in college and played every contest in his rookie NFL season. That track record made his 2025 campaign feel almost unrecognizable, as interruptions have replaced consistency and questions now follow him week to week.
The setbacks have arrived in waves. A concussion in Week 6 forced his first absence of the year. Not long after, appendicitis surgery sidelined him again following Week 10. When he finally returned in Week 13 against Tampa Bay, the hope was that the worst was behind him. Instead, a new issue emerged, a heel injury that has quickly become the biggest concern of his season.
What should have been a stabilizing return instead deepened the uncertainty around the Arizona offense. The Cardinals were counting on Harrison Jr. to regain rhythm, but his health again became the storyline, leaving coaches unsure how much they could realistically expect from him on the field.
Medical questions and shifting roles
NFL injury analyst Jesse Morse added to the unease by explaining that the diagnosis remains unclear. The injury could range from plantar fasciitis to a stress fracture or a significant heel bruise involving the fat pad. That uncertainty matters. According to Morse, even if Harrison Jr. plays, managing his snaps would be necessary, and a full workload would be unlikely.
The numbers reflect the stop-start nature of his year. Through 10 games, Harrison Jr. has totaled 40 catches for 594 yards and four touchdowns. Solid production, but not the steady presence Arizona envisioned. Others have stepped up in his absence. Michael Wilson has taken on a larger role, while tight end Trey McBride has become the offense’s primary option, surpassing 1,000 receiving yards, according to NFL game data.
Still, Harrison Jr. remains eager. After limited participation in practice all week, head coach Jonathan Gannon listed him as questionable for Week 16 against the Atlanta Falcons. The receiver, however, expressed confidence, saying he feels good enough to go. The concern is not straight-line speed but slowing down and changing direction, moments that continue to cause discomfort.
With the Arizona Cardinals already eliminated from playoff contention, the stakes are different. Harrison Jr.’s return would be about flashes and confidence rather than standings. For Arizona, the challenge is balancing his desire to compete with the long-term risk of pushing an injury that still lacks clear answers.
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