Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. is expected to miss at least the Week 11 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers after undergoing appendicitis surgery.
The Arizona Cardinals announced on Wednesday that wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. will be unavailable for Sunday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers after undergoing an appendectomy earlier in the week.
Head coach Jonathan Gannon confirmed that Harrison had surgery for appendicitis and said the team would reassess his status moving forward.
Breaking: Cardinals WR Marvin Harrison Jr. underwent surgery for appendicitis and is out for at least this week and possibly longer, head coach Jonathan Gannon announced. pic.twitter.com/AIOgqRHOuL
— ESPN (@espn) November 12, 2025
Harrison, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 draft, has emerged this season as Arizona’s top receiving option, with 34 catches, 525 yards and four touchdowns heading into Week 11.
His sudden absence further weakens a receiver corps already dealing with season-ending injuries to Zay Jones and a wrist injury to Simi Fehoko.
Strategic impact and outlook without Harrison
With Harrison sidelined, the Cardinals must turn to Michael Wilson and Greg Dortch to carry the load in the passing game while tight end Trey McBride becomes even more critical as a focal point.
Arizona’s offense now faces added pressure to produce through its second tier of receivers, a challenge against a 49ers defense known for exploiting depth weaknesses.
Notable players who’ve had appendectomy surgery 🤕
🤕 Ben Roethlisberger — Missed 1 game
🤕 Minkah Fitzpatrick — Missed 1 game
🤕 Austin Hooper — Missed 2 games
🤕 Marvin Harrison Jr. — ??? pic.twitter.com/7NPXSN5KAh— Fantasy Guides (@fantasy_guides) November 12, 2025
From a longer-term perspective, the team must balance Harrison’s recovery timeline with remaining games.
While appendectomy recovery is generally swift, the disruption in chemistry and target volume cannot be overlooked. The Cardinals’ playoff ambitions could depend on how well the team adapts in his absence and how quickly Harrison returns to form.
A critical moment for Arizona’s offense
The loss of Marvin Harrison Jr. is more than just missing a game. It strikes at the heart of Arizona’s passing attack during a pivotal stretch of the season.
Significant injury news: Arizona Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon says Marvin Harrison Jr. will miss time due to an appendicitis
The Cards have 3 healthy WRs on the active roster in Michael Wilson, Greg Dortch & Xavier Weaver @PHNX_Cardinals pic.twitter.com/tYfFZNIx97
— Bo Brack (@BoBrack) November 12, 2025
How the Cardinals respond without their emerging star will define their trajectory in the NFC West. Harrison’s return and the offense’s ability to hold up in the meantime will reveal much about the team’s resilience and depth.
