The Arizona Cardinals are extremely thin at the receiver position heading into Week 11 against the San Francisco 49ers. However, that means there’s an opportunity for other individuals to step up and take advantage of the opportunities.
Cardinals receiver Michael Wilson is in a prime position to do so. Cardinals fans know Wilson because he’s always been the ‘other’ guy on the offense, but he’s always had consistent production. Now, he’ll get his chance to star.
Why are Jacoby Brissett, Trey McBride Confident in Michael Wilson?
The Cardinals placed receivers Zay Jones and Simi Fehoko on injured reserve this week, and Marvin Harrison Jr. will miss at least one week recovering from appendicitis surgery.
That leaves the Cardinals receiving room to Wilson, Greg Dortch, and now Andre Baccellia, who was just signed off the practice squad.
Wilson is the only receiver who’s spent the bulk of the season on the field with the first team offense, and now it’s his chance to be the featured guy on Sunday. His quarterback, Jacoby Brissett, has full confidence in his ability to step into that role.
“Mike is just tough. He does everything for us. He blocks, he clears people out. He does all of the grimy stuff, and then when you sit back and you watch, you’re like, ‘Man, it’s his turn to get the ball,'” Brissett said. “His speed and power when he runs, you know, he creates separation, he has strong hands. A guy that’s going to step up and make a lot of plays this week.
“I’m excited for him and the opportunity. He’s just one of those guys where you want to see succeed.”
Wilson is in his third year with the Cardinals, and after a slow start, he’s picked it up over the last month.
The Cardinals receiver had just eight catches for 52 yards through the first five games of the season, but has 14 receptions on 20 targets for 179 yards in his last four games.
“I think Mike’s just a true pro. He’s a guy who does everything the right way. He works really hard and he’s very disciplined,” Cardinals tight end Trey MrBride said. “He’s one of those guys who does – like I said – does everything the right way and hasn’t got as much opportunity, but now the last few weeks he has.
“It’s really cool to see, because a guy who works so hard, does like I said, everything the right way. So, to see him get rewarded with some catches, some big plays, it’s very cool.”
Sunday should continue to move the Wilson momentum in a positive direction. McBride is really the only other trusted option on the Cardinals’ offense outside of Wilson.
Dortch’s speed will likely be used in the game plan as well, but outside of trying to get the running game going, Wilson and McBride should be the go-to guys against the 49ers.
However, the Cardinals receiver doesn’t feel like the way he plays the game will change much.
“I think maybe the only change is maybe there’s a little bit more anticipation of getting the rock a little bit more, and knowing the ball is going to be coming my way just because I’m going to be the first read in a lot of plays,” Wilson said. “But, in terms of the way I play the game, I don’t think it changes.
“Like my job description is still the same: Run fast, block, get open, catch the football and be a good teammate. So, not much really changes.”
The 49ers’ defense ranks No. 26 in the NFL against the pass, according to PFSN’s Defense Impact. Wilson should have lots of opportunities to make his impact felt on Sunday.
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Wilson has his star tight end and quarterback’s confidence, now it’s just a matter of getting plays drawn up for him and taking advantage.
The Cardinals receiver had a career-high eight catches in 2024 against the Detroit Lions and a career-high 95 receiving yards against the Seattle Seahawks in his rookie year. Keep an eye out for both of those milestones on Sunday.