With 6:59 left in the second quarter, Harrison secured a 21-yard catch before falling awkwardly and striking the back of his head on the turf. He remained on the ground for a few moments before being assisted to the sideline, where medical staff escorted him into the blue injury tent for an initial concussion evaluation. Shortly afterward, he walked to the locker room—it was determined prior to the start of the second half that he would not return.
Up to the point he exited, Harrison had recorded two catches for 32 yards.
Harrison’s Injury History & Significance
This isn’t the first time Harrison has dealt with concussion concerns: he sustained a concussion during Week 6 of the prior season but managed to return the following week. Given that context, this latest injury raises worries among Cardinals coaching and medical staff about recurrence, sensitivity, and how he will be managed going forward.
What makes this specific injury even more emotionally resonant is its setting. This was Harrison’s first game back in Indianapolis—the city where his father, Marvin Harrison Sr., starred and became a Hall of Famer. The younger Harrison had called the matchup “a special game for me, for sure” in pregame comments, no doubt recognizing the personal narrative and emotional weight of returning to his father’s old stomping grounds.
The Game & Implications for Arizona
Arizona ultimately fell 31–27 to the Colts. Losing Harrison midgame is certainly a blow, not just in terms of immediate offensive firepower but in momentum and perhaps morale. As a rookie who has already drawn considerable attention and expectations, any time he’s off the field is a setback for both him and the team.
Because concussion protocols are stringent, Harrison now likely faces a period of rest, monitoring, and gradual return to activity depending on how he recovers. The Cardinals will have to carefully manage him, balancing the urgency to keep their offense potent with the need to ensure his long-term health and availability.
Broader Concerns & Takeaways
This incident underscores the ever-present risks faced by NFL receivers, especially those who play with explosiveness, high speed, and often absorb contact in the open field. Concussions remain one of the more unpredictable and difficult injuries to forecast, especially in terms of recovery timelines and recurrence risks.
For a rookie like Harrison, who is already under the spotlight, this moment can define part of his early career. If he recovers fully and returns to form, he can bounce back. But if he is lingering in protocol or has further setbacks, it could delay his development or availability.
For the Cardinals, the challenge will be protecting their investment—keeping Harrison healthy without overexposing him to risk, while also not losing too much offensive production in his absence. As the season rolls on, the medical staff, coaching staff, and Harrison himself will need to coordinate closely to ensure he returns only when fully ready.
In summary, Marvin Harrison Jr.’s concussion is a setback, both in the short term for the Cardinals and in the longer arc of managing his career and health. The emotional resonance of it happening in Indianapolis only adds to the story’s intensity. How he recovers — and how Arizona handles that process — will be closely watched by fans, media, and the league alike.
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