Is Marvin Harrison Jr. playing Week 13 after surgery?

Fantasy football managers are facing a crucial decision as the NFL season enters its most critical stretch. Arizona Cardinals rookie sensation Marvin Harrison Jr. returned to practice this week after missing two games following emergency surgery, but his availability for Sunday’s matchup against Tampa Bay remains uncertain.

The former Ohio State star underwent an unexpected appendectomy after the Cardinals’ Week 10 loss to Seattle, sidelining him during a pivotal point in both the NFL season and fantasy playoffs. Now, as Week 13 approaches, managers must decide whether to trust the rookie receiver in their lineups or seek safer alternatives.

Emergency surgery derails promising rookie campaign

Harrison’s absence began suddenly and without warning. Following Arizona’s defeat to the Seahawks in Week 10, the rookie wide receiver underwent an emergency appendectomy to address acute appendicitis. The medical issue caught everyone by surprise, as Harrison had shown no prior indications of health problems.

The procedure immediately ruled him out for the Cardinals’ Week 11 contest against San Francisco. Medical professionals typically recommend a recovery period of two to four weeks following appendicitis surgery, though the exact timeline varies based on the procedure type and individual healing rates.

Arizona’s coaching staff adopted a cautious approach with their prized first-round draft pick, emphasizing long-term health over rushing him back prematurely. The decision reflected the organization’s investment in Harrison’s future rather than prioritizing short-term results for a struggling team.

Head coach Jonathan Gannon provided minimal information about Harrison’s status early in the week, offering only vague assurances that the receiver would return when both physically and mentally prepared. The ambiguous assessment left fantasy managers scrambling for clarity as they prepared their rosters.

Practice participation signals potential return

Harrison took a significant step forward in his recovery Wednesday when he returned to practice. The development marked his first on-field work since the surgery and immediately sparked optimism among fantasy managers desperate for good news.

However, the Cardinals limited Harrison’s participation throughout the week. He appeared on practice reports with restricted activity Thursday and Friday as well, earning a questionable designation on the final injury report. The limited status complicated efforts to gauge his true readiness for game action.

Unlike typical injury recoveries, surgical procedures present unique challenges for evaluating a player’s status. Harrison isn’t dealing with a sprained ankle or pulled hamstring that shows visible improvement through practice participation. Instead, he’s recovering from an internal procedure that requires careful monitoring of factors not easily observable during drills.

Harrison spoke with reporters during the week, a development fantasy managers viewed as encouraging. Players typically don’t address media members when they have no intention of playing, making his availability for interviews a positive indicator of his potential to suit up Sunday.

Gannon praised Harrison’s movement during practice sessions, noting the rookie appeared comfortable and fluid. The positive reports from Cardinals camp suggested Harrison’s recovery has progressed well, though the coaching staff stopped short of confirming his availability.

Fantasy managers face difficult lineup decision

The timing of Harrison’s potential return creates complications for fantasy managers. Arizona sits at 3-8, essentially eliminated from playoff contention with six games remaining. The lack of meaningful stakes raises questions about whether the organization should risk their franchise cornerstone’s health.

Michael Wilson has emerged as a legitimate receiving threat during Harrison’s absence, catching 25 passes on 33 targets for 303 yards over the past two weeks. Wilson’s breakout performance demonstrated the Cardinals possess multiple viable passing options, potentially reducing the urgency to rush Harrison back.

Arizona’s three primary pass catchers all remain under contract for at least one more season, making the offense increasingly attractive heading into 2026. With nothing tangible to play for this season, some analysts question whether the Cardinals should prioritize Harrison’s complete recovery over his immediate return.

Fantasy analyst Kyle Soppe expressed caution about inserting Harrison into starting lineups during the crucial fantasy playoff period. He emphasized the need to see Harrison perform in game action before trusting him with important roster decisions, noting the unique nature of surgical recovery compared to traditional injuries.

The same logic applies to Wilson’s fantasy value. His increased target share during Harrison’s absence has made him a viable streaming option, but his role likely diminishes once Harrison returns to full strength. Fantasy managers rostering Wilson should prepare for reduced production once the rookie reclaims his position.

Game-time decision looms for Sunday

Despite Arizona being a west coast team, fantasy managers received a scheduling break with the Cardinals traveling to Tampa Bay for Sunday’s contest. The east coast kickoff means inactive lists will be released at 11:30 a.m. EST, providing earlier clarity than typical Arizona home games.

Late Saturday night, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Harrison is expected to play against the Buccaneers. The news provided fantasy managers with crucial information heading into Sunday morning lineup decisions, though questions remain about his potential snap count and overall workload.

Even if Harrison suits up, fantasy managers must consider whether he’ll operate at full capacity. The Cardinals could ease him back gradually, limiting his snaps or deploying him primarily as a decoy while monitoring his comfort level.

For managers competing in must-win fantasy matchups, the uncertainty surrounding Harrison creates a challenging dilemma. Starting him offers significant upside if he plays a full complement of snaps, but the risk of limited usage or a last-minute inactive designation could prove devastating.

Source: PFSN, Jason Katz