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Is it time for Cardinals to worry about Marvin Harrison Jr. usage in 2025?

Originally posted on Burn City Sports
By Tanner Tortorella | Last updated Sep 18, 2025 2:11 PM ET

GLENDALE – Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. has had an up-and-down start to his sophomore year. He led the team in receiving yards in the season opener, with 71 yards. However, in last Sunday’s home opener, Harrison only had two catches and was almost non-existent in the offense.

Fans have complained about Harrison’s usage in offensive coordinator Drew Petzing’s offense, wondering if the unit is properly using the former fourth overall pick. Head coach Jonathan Gannon isn’t worried about that concern and is optimistic about the 23-year-old.

Cardinals HC Gannon on worries surrounding Harrison:

“He’s one of the guys that the passing game goes through, so I think we need more production there. The play that goes overlooked is a huge DPI (defensive pass interference) early in the game. That’s a huge play for us. (He) had a couple of catches. I’m sure he wants some plays back, but he needs his touches.”

The 49ers in Week 1 gave up nine catches for 124 receiving yards to Jaxon Smith-Njigba, then the following week gave up nearly 50 yards to three separate receivers on 71% of Spencer Rattler’s passing attempts. That is the type of touches that Gannon is talking about, generating the offense surrounding Harrison and not forcing Harrison to make his own plays.

Arizona needs to focus on giving Harrison opportunities to make plays. Five targets is enough for the Cardinals WR1, and he needs at minimum double-digit balls thrown his way to showcase his development over the summer.

This article first appeared on Burn City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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