The Arizona Cardinals are finally stepping into the spotlight this NFL season, set to make their prime-time debut in Week 7.
They will face the Los Angeles Chargers in the second half of a “Monday Night Football” doubleheader, their only prime-time appearance this year.
It’s been a season of improvement for the Cardinals’ offense, which has gone from 24th in points per game last year to a respectable 17th in 2024.
At the center of this offensive surge is budding sensation Marvin Harrison Jr., the Cardinals’ prized No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
However, there is a cloud of uncertainty looming over the young star after suffering an injury in last week’s game against the Green Bay Packers.
However, there is a glimmer of hope. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Harrison Jr. made significant progress on Friday, taking off his non-contact jersey and participating fully in practice after being limited on Thursday.
Cardinals rookie WR Marvin Harrison Jr. ditched the yellow non-contact jersey for a standard practice uniform on Friday, and was a full participant in practice. pic.twitter.com/tyl16kYt7g
– Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) 18 October 2024
While this is certainly encouraging, he’s not out of the woods yet.
Harrison Jr. still needs to clear the league’s concussion protocol and get the go-ahead from an independent neurologist before he can suit up for Monday night’s game.
The quick turnaround is raising eyebrows, especially when compared to teammate Trey McBride, who sat out an entire week of practice after suffering an injury.
Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon couldn’t hide his optimism, calling Harrison Jr.’s quick recovery “really encouraging.”
It’s easy to see why the Cardinals are eager to get their rookie phenom back on the field.
Through six games, Harrison Jr. has already made his mark with 17 catches, 279 yards and four touchdowns.
If he can clear the final hurdles of concussion protocol, his presence could be a game-changer in the Cardinals’ prime-time showdown.