Marvin Harrison Jr returns to practice after appendix surgery, his participation status for Sunday’s Buccaneers game will shock Cardinals fans

Marvin Harrison Jr returns to practice Wednesday after missing two games recovering from appendicitis surgery. The Arizona Cardinals star wide receiver is eyeing a comeback this Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a critical Week 13 matchup. The recovery timeline shocked many, but Harrison’s determination to get back on the field shows his resilience.

Harrison’s Remarkable Recovery After Surgery

Just sixteen days after having his appendix removed, Marvin Harrison Jr stepped onto the practice field Wednesday for the first time. The severity of appendicitis typically requires weeks of recovery, making his rapid return extremely impressive. Team officials cautiously listed him as limited, allowing him to participate in controlled drills and route running.

“It was good to see him running,” quarterback Jacoby Brissett said of Harrison’s return. “He went through something very traumatic. To have him back out there was really good and I’m excited to see how this week unfolds for him.” The veteran QB understands what Harrison endured and recognizes the mental toughness required to bounce back so quickly.

Cardinals’ Receiving Weapons During Harrison’s Absence

With Harrison sidelined, the Cardinals turned to Michael Wilson as their primary receiving option over the past two games. Wilson stepped up impressively, catching 25 passes for 303 yards during this stretch, providing crucial offensive production when his team needed it most.

Through 10 games this season before his injury, Harrison had accumulated 34 receptions totaling 525 yards with 4 touchdowns. His return to practice Wednesday signals the potential end of Arizona’s offensive adjustment period. The Cardinals are desperate for weapons heading into the second half of the season with a 3-8 record.

Player	Receptions	Receiving Yards	Touchdowns
Marvin Harrison Jr	34	525	4
Michael Wilson	25 (past 2 games)	303	TBA

Sunday’s Opponent Faces Their Own Challenges

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrive at Raymond James Stadium with questions of their own. Starting quarterback Baker Mayfield missed practice Wednesday with a left shoulder sprain suffered during Sunday’s 34-7 loss to Los Angeles. The All-Pro signal-caller told reporters: “If it’s gonna hinder how I play, then I probably won’t go. But I won’t know that until later in the week of getting practice reps and see how that goes.”

Mayfield hasn’t missed a start since taking over as Tampa Bay’s starter in 2023, making his potential absence significant. Veterans Teddy Bridgewater could see action if the injury sidelines him. The Buccaneers sit at 6-5 attempting to hold off competitors in a weak NFC South division.

“Before undergoing surgery, Harrison had not missed a game since his NFL debut in Week 1 of 2024, which speaks to his durability and importance to the offense.”

— Arizona Cardinals, Official Team Records

Will Harrison Return to Game Action Sunday?

The critical question now centers on whether Harrison will actually take the field Sunday or remain held out for additional recovery time. His participation was limited Wednesday, indicating the team is proceeding cautiously despite his eagerness to return. The Cardinals typically need players to progress through practice fully before game clearance.

Coach Jonathan Gannon will make the final decision based on how Harrison responds to Thursday and Friday practice sessions. Given the serious nature of appendicitis surgery, team medical staff likely wants at least two full practices before clearing him for game action. The Cardinals cannot risk re-injury in a season where playoff hopes are already fading.

What Does Harrison’s Return Mean for Arizona’s Season?

Getting Marvin Harrison Jr back healthy provides the struggling Cardinals with real hope going forward. The young receiver’s elite talent and work ethic make him essential to any offensive surge down the stretch. Phoenix sits at 3-8, making every remaining game critical for draft positioning and momentum-building.

If Harrison clears for Sunday, his presence alone should shift defensive attention and open opportunities for Michael Wilson and other receivers. The Buccaneers defense, ranked in the middle of the league, has no interest in facing a healthy Harrison. The combination of a determined recovering superstar and a team fighting for relevance creates compelling drama heading into Week 13.

Sources

• Arizona Sports – Injury report coverage and player updates
• Arizona Cardinals – Official team injury report and medical information
• ESPN – Game preview and statistical data