The Cardinals will be without rookie sensation Marvin Harrison Jr. for a second consecutive game when they face the Bears on Sunday, as the star wideout continues working through a nagging heel injury suffered in Week 13 at Tampa Bay.
Head coach Jonathan Gannon confirmed Friday that Harrison hasn’t progressed enough in his recovery to suit up. It marks the fourth time in five weeks that the first-round pick has been sidelined with injury concerns.
“He’s doing a lot better,” Gannon told reporters, adding that he expects Harrison to return to action before the season concludes.
The absence of Harrison – who’s quickly established himself as Arizona’s top receiving threat despite missing time – deals another blow to an offense that’s struggled to find consistency.
The Cardinals’ injury woes extend beyond just their star receiver.
Starting left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. (right knee) won’t play Sunday either, leaving quarterback Kyler Murray without his primary blindside protector. The offensive line, which has already weathered multiple lineup changes this season, will need to shuffle once again.
Arizona’s secondary is also being decimated by injuries, with safety Jalen Thompson, rookie safety Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, and cornerback Max Melton all ruled out for the Bears matchup.
These personnel losses come at a particularly difficult time for the Cardinals, who are currently mired in their second five-game losing streak of the season. After showing flashes of promise earlier in the year, Arizona (3-12) has struggled to close out games and maintain momentum through four quarters.
The team will need to rely heavily on veterans like tight end Trey McBride and wideout Michael Wilson to pick up the slack in Harrison’s absence as they look to snap their skid against Chicago.