Marvin Harrison Jr returns to practice Wednesday after missing two games recovering from appendicitis surgery. The Arizona Cardinals star wide receiver is eyeing a comeback this Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a critical Week 13 matchup. The recovery timeline shocked many, but Harrison’s determination to get back on the field shows his resilience.
🔥 Quick Facts
Harrison underwent emergency appendectomy surgery on November 10 after the Week 10 loss to Seattle
He missed the Cardinals’ games against the Jaguars and 49ers, sitting out for two consecutive weeks
On Wednesday, November 26, he was limited participant in team practice, running routes
The Cardinals face the Buccaneers Sunday at 1:00 PM ET at Raymond James Stadium, broadcast on FOX
Harrison’s Remarkable Recovery After Surgery
Just sixteen days after having his appendix removed, Marvin Harrison Jr stepped onto the practice field Wednesday for the first time. The severity of appendicitis typically requires weeks of recovery, making his rapid return extremely impressive. Team officials cautiously listed him as limited, allowing him to participate in controlled drills and route running.
“It was good to see him running,” quarterback Jacoby Brissett said of Harrison’s return. “He went through something very traumatic. To have him back out there was really good and I’m excited to see how this week unfolds for him.” The veteran QB understands what Harrison endured and recognizes the mental toughness required to bounce back so quickly.
Cardinals’ Receiving Weapons During Harrison’s Absence
With Harrison sidelined, the Cardinals turned to Michael Wilson as their primary receiving option over the past two games. Wilson stepped up impressively, catching 25 passes for 303 yards during this stretch, providing crucial offensive production when his team needed it most.
Through 10 games this season before his injury, Harrison had accumulated 34 receptions totaling 525 yards with 4 touchdowns. His return to practice Wednesday signals the potential end of Arizona’s offensive adjustment period. The Cardinals are desperate for weapons heading into the second half of the season with a 3-8 record.
Player
Receptions
Receiving Yards
Touchdowns
Marvin Harrison Jr
34
525
4
Michael Wilson
25 (past 2 games)
303
TBA
Sunday’s Opponent Faces Their Own Challenges
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrive at Raymond James Stadium with questions of their own. Starting quarterback Baker Mayfield missed practice Wednesday with a left shoulder sprain suffered during Sunday’s 34-7 loss to Los Angeles. The All-Pro signal-caller told reporters: “If it’s gonna hinder how I play, then I probably won’t go. But I won’t know that until later in the week of getting practice reps and see how that goes.”
Mayfield hasn’t missed a start since taking over as Tampa Bay’s starter in 2023, making his potential absence significant. Veterans Teddy Bridgewater could see action if the injury sidelines him. The Buccaneers sit at 6-5 attempting to hold off competitors in a weak NFC South division.
“Before undergoing surgery, Harrison had not missed a game since his NFL debut in Week 1 of 2024, which speaks to his durability and importance to the offense.”
— Arizona Cardinals, Official Team Records
Will Harrison Return to Game Action Sunday?
The critical question now centers on whether Harrison will actually take the field Sunday or remain held out for additional recovery time. His participation was limited Wednesday, indicating the team is proceeding cautiously despite his eagerness to return. The Cardinals typically need players to progress through practice fully before game clearance.
Coach Jonathan Gannon will make the final decision based on how Harrison responds to Thursday and Friday practice sessions. Given the serious nature of appendicitis surgery, team medical staff likely wants at least two full practices before clearing him for game action. The Cardinals cannot risk re-injury in a season where playoff hopes are already fading.
What Does Harrison’s Return Mean for Arizona’s Season?
Getting Marvin Harrison Jr back healthy provides the struggling Cardinals with real hope going forward. The young receiver’s elite talent and work ethic make him essential to any offensive surge down the stretch. Phoenix sits at 3-8, making every remaining game critical for draft positioning and momentum-building.
If Harrison clears for Sunday, his presence alone should shift defensive attention and open opportunities for Michael Wilson and other receivers. The Buccaneers defense, ranked in the middle of the league, has no interest in facing a healthy Harrison. The combination of a determined recovering superstar and a team fighting for relevance creates compelling drama heading into Week 13.
Sources
Arizona Sports – Injury report coverage and player updates
Arizona Cardinals – Official team injury report and medical information
ESPN – Game preview and statistical data
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.