GLENDALE – After missing four of the past five games for the Arizona Cardinals, wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. made his return in Week 16 vs. the Atlanta Falcons. The highly-anticipated return of the former fourth overall pick came at a perfect time at the team’s home finale, eyeing to end its six-game home losing streak.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!However, Harrison only played in 29 snaps, 50.9% of Arizona’s offensive snaps. In those reps, the 23-year-old had one catch on three targets for 14 receiving yards. A lackluster return for Harrison, but head coach Jonathan Gannon believes next week will be different when he spoke with the media on Monday.
Dec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) is unable to make the reception as Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell Jr. (24) defends on the play during the second half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Gannon on Harrison’s lack of reps:
“I think he’ll be ready for more. We’ll see how it kind of goes here. Obviously, were had a plan for his reps, where he was out health-wise. I know he wants to play more. We’ll see where he’s at.”
Dec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) on the field during warm ups prior to a game against the Atlanta Falcons at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
The other two targets came in critical parts of the game. The first came near the end of the third quarter when Atlanta was up 19-16. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett had Harrison one-on-one on a go route and slinged it to the endzone. The ball hit Harrison’s hands, but he couldn’t catch it. Instead of a touchdown, the Cardinals were forced to kick a field, which Chad Ryland missed and the Falcons would go on a touchdown drive right afterwards.
The second target was on the team’s final drive, where Brissett looked to target Harrison on a comeback route but threw it outside of his reach and into cornerback CJ Henderson’s hands to end the game. Not necessarily his fault, but still a massive team mistake in one of his three targets.
Next week will be at the Cincinnati Bengals, who has the 29th worst passing defense in the NFL. A perfect opportunity for Harrison to regain his confidence and finished his second year strongly.
Cardinals place Garrett Williams and Walter Nolen on IR, ending their 2025 season
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
