Cardinals' Harrison Jr. finishes season with 41 catches, 4 TDs, but battles injuries

Marvin Harrison Jr.’s promising season concludes with injuries, leaving questions about his future potential.

Why it matters: Harrison’s performance this season highlighted both his talent and the challenges that can accompany a young player in the NFL, particularly regarding health and durability.

  • Despite being sidelined for several games due to injuries, he managed to record 41 receptions for 608 yards and 4 touchdowns across 12 games.
  • His ability to adapt and contribute to the Cardinals' offense illustrates his potential as a key player moving forward.

What’s new: The Arizona Cardinals have concluded their season with high hopes for Harrison's development, yet the injury setbacks raise concerns.

  • Coach Jonathan Gannon emphasized that Harrison showcased impressive skills, indicating further growth is on the horizon: "I thought he did some good things... I don't think he's hit his ceiling."

Yes, but: While Harrison's statistics reflect a solid sophomore campaign, the injuries he faced could impact his trajectory.

  • He missed two games due to appendicitis surgery and another two because of a right heel injury, culminating in his absence from the final game against the Los Angeles Rams due to a left foot injury sustained against the Cincinnati Bengals.

By the numbers: Harrison's offseason commitment to physical conditioning is noteworthy.

  • He added 11 pounds of muscle, which contributed to his performance and ability to make contested catches throughout the season. Gannon acknowledged this enhancement in size as beneficial: "I thought that he made some contested catches because of some size."

What to watch: As the Cardinals move into the offseason, Harrison's development will be critical.

  • Discussions about his future growth and injury management strategies will be essential for the coaching staff as they look to maximize his contributions in the coming season.

The bottom line: Maintaining Harrison’s health will be pivotal for the Cardinals as they seek to build a competitive roster around him.

  • With talent like Harrison’s, the Cardinals are hopeful that addressing his injury issues will allow him to realize his full potential as a leading receiver in the league.
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Cardinals' Harrison Jr. finishes season with 41 catches, 4 TDs, but battles injuries