The Arizona Cardinals not only suffered a humiliating defeat against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, but they also came away dealing with several injuries.
The team picked up multiple injuries during the game, and coach Jonathan Gannon provided an update on several of them on Wednesday morning.
What Do The Cardinals’ Injuries Mean For Week 11?
The key announcement Gannon made Wednesday morning was that receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. will miss at least Week 11 against the San Francisco 49ers.
Harrison recently underwent surgery for appendicitis, and when asked whether he would be out only one week, Gannon said, “we’ll see.” Three comparable appendicitis cases over the past five years required at least two weeks of recovery, according to AZCentral’s Theo Mackie.
Other notable injury news includes receivers Zay Jones and Simi Fehoko being placed on injured reserve, linebacker Mack Wilson being out for Week 11, and edge rusher Baron Browning entering concussion protocol.
Gannon added that all other injuries are being treated on a “day-by-day” basis, including running backs Trey Benson and Bam Knight.
In response to the injuries, the Cardinals added receiver Andre Baccellia to their active roster and signed receiver Jalen Virgil and defensive back Jaden Davis to their practice squad. That adjustment leaves the Cardinals’ active receivers as Michael Wilson, Greg Dortch, Xavier Weaver, and now Baccellia.
Gannon noted that four of the team’s seven captains are injured this week, but he emphasized that other leaders will need to step up.
“A lot of other guys got votes too, and they know that, and they need to step up and lead the team. It’s about the collective,” Gannon said. “I do think that when you’ve got guys in and out of the lineup like that, people need to step up.
“A lot of guys are in new roles, and they’re going to be in new roles this week. But also, a lot of guys are in the same role as well. So, I don’t want to overlook that either.”
Gannon mentioned players like Trey McBride, Calais Campbell, Budda Baker, and others who understand they have big roles and will be relied upon more this week. Wilson is expected to assume the No. 1 receiving role for Week 11, with Dortch being the only other receiver who has been active for most of the season.
Wilson ranks No. 66 in the NFL among all receivers, according to PFSN’s WR Impact, and he is the only active Cardinals receiver besides Harrison with enough snaps to track. McBride is expected to play a central role in the passing game plan on Sunday, but Wilson will have to step up with fewer options available.
At the linebacker position, rookie Cody Simon will start again and wear the green dot while Wilson continues to manage his rib injury.
Gannon said the team will have more clarity on the remaining injuries as the week progresses, but Week 11 against the San Francisco 49ers will certainly be a tough test for Arizona.