Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. was sidelined during Sunday’s matchup against the Green Bay Packers after sustaining a concussion.
The injury occurred in the second quarter when Harrison’s head collided with the leg of Packers linebacker Isaiah McDuffie during an incomplete pass. Though the rookie initially rose to his feet, he soon collapsed on the field, prompting immediate concern. Arizona’s medical staff quickly attended to him, and he was able to walk off the field with their assistance.
Before his exit, Harrison had been targeted twice but was unable to register a catch.
Harrison’s absence delivers a significant blow to an already struggling Cardinals offense, which came into Sunday with one of the league’s weakest aerial attacks, ranked 25th in passing yards.
The 22-year-old was a highly-touted prospect coming out of Ohio State, where he finished fourth in the 2023 Heisman Trophy voting. The Cardinals selected him as the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, expecting him to be a cornerstone of their offense.
While Harrison’s professional debut was underwhelming—registering just a single catch for four yards in the season opener—he quickly found his stride. In the following four games, he amassed 16 receptions for 275 yards, proving his potential as a dynamic playmaker.
Harrison also leads all rookie wideouts with four touchdowns through his first five games, making him a standout in this year’s class of receivers.
Aside from an oblique issue leading up to Week 4, which didn’t keep him from playing, Harrison has remained largely healthy through his rookie campaign. His latest injury, however, now places him in the NFL’s concussion protocol.
With Harrison sidelined, quarterback Kyler Murray will likely look to distribute targets among other key receivers, including Trey McBride, Michael Wilson, and Greg Dortch.
Harrison’s earliest chance to return will be in Week 7 when the Cardinals vs Packers on Monday Night Football. His recovery and return to action will be closely monitored as Arizona hopes for a speedy comeback from one of its most promising young stars.
