The Arizona Cardinals’ season has spiraled into a four-game losing streak, and Friday brought the news no one in Glendale wanted to hear. With a daunting matchup against the Los Angeles Rams looming, head coach Jonathan Gannon stepped to the podium and dismantled any hope for a healthier offense.
The updates provided a harsh reality check for a team already sitting at the bottom of the NFC West.
Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey Benson’s Injury Updates
The 2025 campaign has been a struggle for the Arizona Cardinals, who sit at 3–9. Injuries have defined their slide to the division cellar, and the latest report piles more adversity onto a depleted roster. Bad news compounded for the fanbase when Gannon shared the final verdict during Friday’s press conference.
While the devastating announcement that quarterback Kyler Murray will miss the remainder of the season dominated the headlines, the updates on his top playmakers were just as discouraging.
Harrison has recorded 40 catches for 594 yards and four touchdowns in 2025. His rookie year has been interrupted by health issues, including two missed games following an appendectomy. After returning in Week 13 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he suffered a heel injury that forced him to the sideline for the second half.
Harrison Jr. has been vital to the passing attack, earning a 74.6 impact score on PFSN’s WR Impact. Optimism remained high earlier in the week that the 23-year-old receiver could rebound for Week 14, but this latest setback officially rules him out against Los Angeles.
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The outlook for running back Trey Benson is arguably more troubling. He has been sidelined since sustaining a knee injury in Week 4. Before his exit, he had tallied 29 carries for 160 yards. Hopes that he might return to the backfield in Week 14 have vanished with Gannon’s confirmation that he will sit out Sunday.
Arizona opened Benson’s 21-day practice window two weeks ago, initiating the countdown to decide on its roster status. However, his participation has been minimal. With the clock ticking on that practice window, concerns are mounting that his season could end without another snap.
Can the Depleted Cardinals Compete with the Rams?
Arizona welcomes the Rams to State Farm Stadium in Glendale for this Week 14 clash on Dec. 7. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET on FOX.
The contrast between these rivals is stark. While Arizona has stumbled through a four-game skid, Los Angeles sits atop the NFC West with a commanding 9–3 record. The Cardinals also hold a dismal 1–5 mark at home, adding to the challenge.
The absence of Harrison and Benson removes key explosive elements from the Arizona offense. The Cardinals must now find a way to move the ball against a division leader without their primary weapons. Sunday will reveal if they can rally despite the overwhelming injury report.
Arizona Cardinals’ Insights for Week 14
Team:Â The Cardinals are 0-7 in games decided by four points or fewer. In four of the seven games, Arizona had a lead in the last five minutes of the game.
QB:Â Jacoby Brissett has been sacked at least five times in four of his five starts.
Offense: Trey McBride had a PFSN Impact Tight End Score of 82.1 in Week 13. It ranked fifth in the league, and it was the third time in the last four games that he had ranked in the top 5 for a week.
Defense:Â Arizona allowed 26.0 points per game over the last two games, both graded at a C level on DEFi. In the previous two games, the Cardinals allowed 42.5 points per game and received D+ and D grades.
Fantasy: Davante Adams has scored a touchdown in six consecutive games. He has multiple touchdowns in four of them. Adams is the Rams’ “goal line back.”
