The NFL season is nearing its end. As happens every year, injuries are rearing their ugly heads. As fantasy football managers prepare to set Week 4 lineups, it’s important to stay informed on the latest injury news. Marvin Harrison Jr. returned to practice this week. What is his current status and outlook for Week 16?
Is Marvin Harrison Jr. Playing Week 16?
Harrison sustained a heel injury in the Week 13 matchup against Tampa Bay that prevented him from playing in the second half. Head coach Jonathan Gannon confirmed the heel issue was responsible for Harrison’s early exit and inability to return. The second-year wideout attempted to play through the discomfort by using a shoe insert during the game, though he ultimately removed it.​
Harrison was visibly limping after making a reception in the second half before Arizona decided to shut him down for the remainder of the contest. Gannon provided troubling information about Harrison’s condition during a Monday appearance on Arizona Sports Radio ahead of Week 14. The head coach explained that when running, Harrison appears fine, but his gait looks off when walking or jogging.​
In Weeks 14 and 15, Harrison did not practice at all. However, the sophomore receiver got in three limited practices this week and is listed as questionable on the final injury report.​
Harrison is expected to play, but it is a very curious situation. He told reporters his heel is “good enough to go.” He wants to play and fantasy managers should expect him to play, but ​it is very interesting that he seems to be returning before he is 100% to play out the remainder of a lost season.
The Cardinals have no postseason aspirations left in what has become a lost season. Given that Arizona shut down Kyler Murray for the remainder of the season, Harrison’s return creates questions about the team’s approach.​
It is entirely possible his usage is a bit limited and Michael Wilson remains the primary receiver. Prior to the heel issue, Harrison demonstrated he was fully healthy following his appendectomy. He hauled in six receptions for 69 yards on seven targets while playing only 37 snaps against Tampa Bay.​
This is not a good situation for fantasy managers because Harrison is difficult to trust, while his return could negatively impact Wilson. Essentially, there are no winners here.
Harrison’s Fantasy Football Outlook
Harrison missed Weeks 11-12, but we saw him return productively against the Bucs in Week 13 (69 yards on seven targets). He was much more efficient than the red-hot Michael Wilson in that game, getting the high-quality looks that their WR2 had thrived with when he was absent.
But he suffered a heel injury, and it’s been grabbing at him enough for him to miss each of the past two weeks. He didn’t practice at all last week and the status was the same as it was the week prior: show no real signs of optimism during the work week and get ruled out on Friday.
MORE:Â Free Fantasy Football Start/Sit Optimizer
The Cards obviously have nothing left to play for, and while their QB situation is TBD moving forward, Harrison still has two years left on his rookie deal and is firmly a part of this team, trying to build a reputable offense.
We know that the WR1 in this Jacoby Brissett-led offense is a strong bet, but until we get glowing health reports, I’m operating under the assumption that Harrison is on my fantasy bench. This isn’t a bad matchup, but Atlanta does have an extended week in terms of prep time after playing on Thursday night.
I’m not putting my fantasy season in the hands of a player viewed as a building block for a team that lacks short-term motivation.
— Kyle Soppe, PFSN Fantasy Analyst
