Marvin Harrison Jr. Returns to Practice as Cardinals Weigh Week 13 Return Against Buccaneers

By Sfiso Masuku On 28 Nov, 2025 Comments (2)

Marvin Harrison Jr. jogged onto the field at the Arizona Cardinals’ Tempe practice facility on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 — no yellow no-contact jersey, no limping, no hesitation. Just a 24-year-old wide receiver back in motion after a surprise appendectomy that sidelined him for two critical games. His return, though limited, sent ripples through the locker room and fantasy football leagues alike. The question isn’t just whether he’ll play Sunday — it’s whether the Cardinals can afford to take him off the field, even if he’s not 100%.

From Surgery to Sideline to Practice

Harrison underwent emergency surgery on November 10, 2025, just hours after complaining of sharp abdominal pain following a win over the San Francisco 49ers. The procedure was minor, but recovery in the NFL is never simple. He missed Week 11 and Week 12 games against the Los Angeles Chargers and Atlanta Falcons — games the Cardinals lost by a combined 14 points. His absence wasn’t just a statistical drop; it was a structural crack in an offense already struggling to find rhythm.

On Wednesday, Theodore Mackie, the Cardinals’ beat reporter for PHNX Sports, observed Harrison fully participating in route drills and catching passes from backup quarterbacks. "He looked like the guy who dominated Ohio State," Mackie tweeted at 10:47 a.m. MST. "No limp. No clutching his side. Just working." The team’s medical staff, led by head athletic trainer John D’Angelo, reportedly cleared him for light activity after a full CT scan showed no complications. But as head coach Jonathan David Gannon made clear on Monday: "When he’s physically and mentally ready to play, he’ll be on the field. We’re not rushing him for a number. We’re rushing him for the right reason."

Michael Wilson’s Breakout Changed the Offense

While Harrison healed, Michael Wilson II seized his chance. In Weeks 11 and 12, Wilson caught 25 passes for 303 yards — the most receptions and yards by any NFL receiver over a two-game span in 2025. He became quarterback Jacoby Brissett’s most trusted target, turning short slants into first downs and hauling in contested catches in traffic. His two-touchdown performance in Atlanta wasn’t just clutch — it was career-defining.

Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing didn’t hide his admiration. "We’ll move him around in the formation and elevate his placement in the progression," Petzing said. "If a player is producing in this league, we will provide them with more chances to succeed. That’s our responsibility as coaches." Gannon confirmed it: "Absolutely," he replied when asked if Wilson’s role would shrink upon Harrison’s return. "He’s earned his snaps. We’re not taking them away."

What This Means for the Week 13 Matchup

On Sunday, November 30, 2025, the Cardinals (4-7) travel to Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, to face the Buccaneers (5-6) — a team with the 27th-ranked pass defense in the NFL, surrendering 243.5 yards per game through the air. It’s a matchup that could define Arizona’s fading playoff hopes.

Harrison’s stats before injury tell a story of potential unfulfilled. Through nine games, he had 34 receptions for 525 yards and four touchdowns — solid, but below expectations for the 4th overall pick in 2024. His fantasy output dipped in the final weeks before surgery, averaging just 9.1 points per game over his last five outings. But when he was healthy, he was still the team’s most explosive deep threat — averaging 15.4 yards per catch, the highest on the roster.

And then there’s the emotional layer. Emeka Egbuka, Harrison’s former Ohio State teammate and current Buccaneers rookie, publicly backed him on "Up & Adams," saying: "I’m not worried about him at all. Not even a little bit." Their bond, forged in Columbus through grueling drills and late-night film sessions, adds a personal edge to this game.

Injuries on Both Sides

The Cardinals’ injury report remains a mess. Starting offensive tackle Walter Nolen III is out for Sunday with a knee sprain. Right tackle Kelvin Beachum, linebacker Baron Browning, safety Kei’Trel Clark, and others are all listed as questionable. Meanwhile, the Buccaneers are dealing with their own issues — cornerback Antoine Winfield Jr. is questionable with a hamstring strain, and rookie quarterback Baker Mayfield continues to manage a shoulder issue.

For Arizona, the offensive line’s instability makes Harrison’s return even more critical. If Brissett has time to throw — and if the interior protection holds — Harrison’s route-running precision could exploit Tampa’s shaky secondary. But if the line breaks down again, even a fully healthy Harrison might struggle to make an impact.

What’s Next?

Gannon will update the media on Friday, November 28, 2025 — likely the last official word before Sunday’s game. If Harrison is cleared to play, expect him to start, but with a limited snap count — perhaps 50-60% of offensive plays. He’ll likely be used on vertical routes and in the red zone, where his 6’1”, 200-pound frame gives him an advantage. Wilson will remain a key part of the offense, likely rotating with Harrison in three-wide sets.

For fantasy managers, this is a high-risk, high-reward scenario. Harrison’s ceiling is top-5 WR, but his floor? Uncertain. Wilson, meanwhile, is now a top-15 fantasy option regardless of Harrison’s status.

Why This Matters

This isn’t just about one player’s recovery. It’s about how a team adapts when a young star is sidelined — and how it chooses to reward the players who stepped up. The Cardinals are at a crossroads: do they revert to the plan they had before the injury, or do they build something new around Wilson’s breakout? The answer might shape their offensive identity for the rest of the season — and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Marvin Harrison Jr. play in Week 13 against the Buccaneers?

It’s uncertain. Harrison returned to limited practice on November 26, but head coach Jonathan Gannon has stressed he’ll only play when "physically and mentally ready." A final decision won’t come until Friday’s update. If he plays, expect a reduced snap count early to manage his recovery.

How has Michael Wilson performed in Harrison’s absence?

Wilson recorded 25 receptions for 303 yards across Weeks 11 and 12 — the best two-game receiving stretch in the NFL this season. He’s become Jacoby Brissett’s top target, with two touchdowns and consistent clutch catches. Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing confirmed Wilson’s elevated role will continue even if Harrison returns.

How does Tampa Bay’s defense match up against Arizona’s passing game?

Tampa Bay’s pass defense ranks 27th in the NFL, allowing 243.5 yards per game. Their secondary has struggled with deep threats and contested catches — areas where Harrison excels. But the Buccaneers’ edge rushers, including Shaquil Barrett, have improved, which could pressure Brissett and limit time for Harrison to get open.

Why was Harrison’s appendectomy surprising?

Appendectomies are rare among NFL players, especially mid-season. Harrison had no reported prior symptoms, and the surgery came after sudden abdominal pain following a game. The team called it "unexpected," and the quick return — just 16 days post-op — is faster than typical recovery timelines, suggesting a minimally invasive procedure and excellent medical care.

What’s the impact on Arizona’s playoff chances?

The Cardinals are 4-7 and need to win four of their final five games to have a realistic shot at the playoffs. Harrison’s return could be the spark they need — especially against a weak pass defense like Tampa’s. But without a healthy offensive line and consistent quarterback play, even his presence might not be enough to turn their season around.

Is this a sign of a long-term offensive shift for the Cardinals?

Possibly. Wilson’s breakout suggests Arizona’s offense might be evolving from relying on a single star receiver to a more balanced, multi-threat system. Even if Harrison returns, Wilson’s chemistry with Brissett and his reliability in key situations make him too valuable to bench. The future could see both players as a dynamic duo, not a replacement.