Cardinals WR Michael Wilson Suffers Season-Ending Neck Injury

In 2025, Wilson reached the 1,000-yard mark. His increased production and role within Arizona’s offense led to an extension being worked out, resulting in high expectations for this season and beyond. Wilson was averaging a career-high 60.7 receiving yards per game, but his attention will now turn to recovery. A brace will need to be worn for the next six to eight weeks, per ESPN’s Josh Weinfuss.

This injury occurred early on Sunday, LaFleur added (via team reporter Darren Urban) but Wilson managed to play through it. His absence will compound the decision to trade away Marvin Harrison Jr. earlier this season. While Harrison’s future in Arizona became increasingly tenuous, though, Wilson is on the books through 2029.

The Cardinals rank 27th in scoring at the moment and 20th in passing yards per game. Losing Wilson will deal a major blow on offense, as he comfortably leads the team in yards among WRs. Tight end Trey McBride has posted a team-best 598 yards through the air so far, and he will be counted on to remain a focal point moving forward. Arizona’s offense recently saw the departure of quarterback Jacoby Brissett through his trade to the Ravens, and the absences of Harrison and now Wilson will lead to plenty of new faces receiving a look down the stretch.

Wilson’s playing time has remained consistent throughout his career. The 26-year-old has started 47 of his 55 appearances, and a heavy workload will await him upon return. Recovering in full would be critical for the Cards’ offense given the $75MM deal which was worked out in September. Arizona made incremental increases in terms of offers prior to the extension agreement being reached. Wilson’s deal was a factor in the decision to trade away Harrison, highlighting his importance to the team’s future.

Sitting at 3-6 on the year, the Cardinals are not in position to contend for a playoff spot given the long list of strong NFC teams. A trade acquisition was not seen as viable prior to news of the Wilson injury, but it will be interesting to see how Arizona handles the WR spot over the closing stages of the season.