Oct 13, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) during warmups prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
GLENDALE – The return of Arizona Cardinals top wide receiver is on the horizon. ESPN’s Josh Weinfuss reported on Saturday that Marvin Harrison Jr. has a “solid” chance of returning in Week 13 vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Harrison is just two weeks removed from his appendicitis surgery that saw him miss the first two games of his career. In his absence, Arizona’s offense has had a heavy reliance in the passing game, averaging 40 completions per game.
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Playing from behind forces that type of offense. However, the 23-year-old’s return will likely help keep that same philosophy regardless of the score.
Nov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys in the first half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
How Harrison’s return will improve offense vs. Buccaneers:
Since quarterback Jacoby Brissett has taken over the starting role, Harrison has averaged 3.5 catches per game for 54.8 receiving yards. For a top pick, the numbers don’t jump off the board. At the time of his injury, no other Cardinals wide receiver had over 250+ receiving yards on the year. Opposing defenses were loading up vs. Harrison ensuring he was covered.
Arizona were averaging only 38.8 pass attempts from Week 6 to Week 10. In the past two weeks, that number has jumped to 53 pass attempts per game. Harrison’s absence likely had opposing defenses more focused on stopping the run game or jamming the only viable receiving threat in tight end Trey McBride.
Oct 19, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) against the Green Bay Packers at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Instead, wide receiver Michael Wilson has awoken in the WR1 role. Wilson has had 25 catches for 303 receiving yards in the past two games, with Harrison’s return coming at the perfect time. The Buccaneers have the 27th passing defense in the NFL, allowing 243.5 passing yards per game.
Arizona played the 25th and 26th passing defense in the previous two weeks, in the Jacksonville Jaguars and San Francisco 49ers. Despite Wilson’s explosion, the offense hasn’t done enough to get the win. Harrison’s insertion into the lineup will give the Cardinals much-needed flexibility to give defenses different looks and weapons.
When speaking to the media on Friday, Harrison stated he’s not worried about halting Wilson’s production, as he has played with other stellar wide receivers in his career and knows how to let them shine. Harrison’s unselfishness, while bringing his 6’3 frame back on the field, adds another layer to this Arizona offense that is desperate need of a win on Sunday.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
