Tag: Michael Wilson

Cardinals WR Michael Wilson has something big coming soon

Wilson teased reporters with something big but wouldn’t say what it will be. We will find out “in a couple of weeks.”

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson and the rest of his teammates have a break until training camp. He has been tirelessly working all offseason with quarterback Kyler Murray.

So what is next? Apparently it is a surprise that we will all find out about soon enough.

When asked if he had plans when he spoke with reporters following the only practice of mandatory minicamp, he responded with, “TBD.”

“I’ve got something big coming,” he said. “I’m sure you guys will probably find out in the next couple of weeks.”

Intriguing.

It’s not the Olympics, he said, simply saying, “You’ll find out soon enough.”

That sounds like something more than a trip or vacation that he might post about on Instagram.

Bigger?

Perhaps he is going to propose to his girlfriend, professional soccer player Sophia Smith. That would be big.

Perhaps something related to Smith’s career will happen, which would be something for him, too.

It won’t be contract-related, as he is on Year 2 of his rookie deal and NFL rules do not allow any contract talks until after Year 3.

I guess we will all have to pay attention to him soon to see what the news is.

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.

 

It’s true: Cardinals WR Marvin Harrison Jr. is ‘perspicacious’

Second-year receiver Michael Wilson had perhaps the most unexpected way to describe rookie receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.

As the media assembled for the final availability of the offseason Tuesday, they were unexpectedly provided a vocabulary lesson from Arizona Cardinals second-year wide receiver Michael Wilson.

Asked several questions about the addition of rookie receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., Wilson was effusive in his praise for the fourth overall choice in the draft.

When asked what stood out after being with him up close on a daily basis, Wilson said, “He was bigger than I thought when I saw him and he’s just a really, really good dude. I’m not just saying that because I’m up here; because I have to say that. I genuinely am saying that because he truly is a good person and he’s humble. For someone to have accomplished the things that he’s accomplished, you wouldn’t know that just in a regular conversation with him. I think that’s always special when someone’s grounded and very humble despite having accomplished so much.”

And your expectations for the rookie? Here’s where Wilson dug deep into his dictionary, saying, “I would anticipate him to continue his college production to the NFL, barring injury. He really hadn’t had any busts in the playbook and I think he’s very perspicacious and always seeking information and very self-aware. With that attitude, combined with having elite traits that you can’t teach and a great natural feel for the position, I truly think the sky’s the limit for him.”

There it was: perspicacious. Wilson said it so matter-of-factly that no one asked a follow-up until he was leaving the media area and told a couple reporters the definition, which, of course, matched what anyone can find in a Google search:

“Of acute mental vision or discernment,” or, “Having a ready insight into and understanding things.” He also could have been describing himself.

The fun came when Harrison followed Wilson in the media room and was told the word his teammate used.

Admitting he didn’t know what it means, Harrison said, “That’s that Stanford education.” He then added that now knowing Wilson, “Whatever that means, it’s awesome.”

All of us in the media would welcome being considered perspicacious.

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.

Kyler Murray excited about his pass-catching weapons

He had glowing praise for Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson and Greg Dortch.

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray spoke to the media for the first time since the end of the 2023 season five months ago and in his 21-plus minutes he was as comfortable as he’s ever been since being the first overall pick in the 2019 draft.

He used the word “excited” numerous times and a lot of that occurred when asked specifically about a few guys that will be his wide receivers, notably first-round pick Marvin Harrison Jr.

The duo has been working together for only a month, but it’s been a quick study for Murray who was hopeful Harrison would land in Arizona with the fourth overall choice in the first round.

Murray said, “I think everybody saw it coming out and I know there’s an evaluation and everything when it comes to the draft process and everybody’s watching everybody and they want to nit-pick what he can do, what he can’t do, but he’s been good at football his whole life. He’s obviously been groomed by one of the best, his pops (Marvin Sr.), a Hall of Famer and there’s not much to think about. He plays the game at a high level and obviously it’s a new level for him, but I have no doubt that he’ll go do his thing this year whenever he wants to.

“Because he’s going to be that type of guy and I know how much he loves the game just sitting there talking to him. His energy and just what he’s going to mean to the team I think everybody should be excited about.”

Asked what Harrison can bring to the offense as a rookie if he is “that guy,” Murray quickly said, “He will be (that guy). That takes us to another level. When you’ve got a guy that is capable of winning one-on-ones, obviously he’s gotta go do it and he knows that; we all know it. But as far as manipulating coverages, stuff like that, you got a guy out there that can do that and even if he’s not open, he’s open, so I’m excited to be able to build that with him when he does what he does. Yeah, I fully expect our offense to be top of the league.”

Murray and Michael Wilson were delayed in getting on the same page last season, but they began hitting their stride down the stretch.

Noting that he believes Wilson will improve “a lot” in his second season, Murray said, “And not necessarily a lot in that he has a lot of work to get better at. But … Mike’s gonna be playing for a long time. I fully believe that. He’s one of those guys; I mean, I call him at 3 a.m., he’s there. He loves this (expletive). I fully expect Mike to go off this year, for sure.”

Chuckling when asked if Wilson has to earn his trust, Murray said, “I can watch the dude and tell if he’s got it. He doesn’t have to earn my trust. I think if anything you embrace it.”

Finally, Murray had strong words for what he believes Greg Dortch can continue to add to the offense.

“I feel like Dortch is unguardable,” Murray said. “As far as one-on-one, knowing where to be in the zones; he’s got the nuance and the savvy to him that you want in a receiver and not everybody has it. I say that because it’s not very common.

“What is he, 5-7? If he was 6-3, he’d be a top-five pick in the NFL. That’s what I think, that’s the type of football player that he is. And again, he loves the game. I can … go to war with Greg every day.”

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.

Cardinals WR Michael Wilson bounces back after early miscues

Wilson’s mistake led to a defensive touchdown for the Eagles but two of his catches tied the game in the second half.

In the Arizona Cardinals’ 35-31 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, rookie receiver Michael Wilson had both a good and a bad game.

It had been a struggle for him over the last month and things started poorly for him in Philly, but he recovered and made big plays in the second half.

In the first quarter, Kyler Murray’s interception that was returned 99 yards for a touchdown by Sydney Brown because of a miscommunication.

Before the play, Murray looked right at Wilson and gave him a signal about a change that was made. Wilson was slow off the line of scrimmage and cut his route toward the middle of the field. Even before Wilson made his cut inside, Murray already had released his pass to the front corner of the end zone, expecting Wilson to go there.

The only player there was Brown.

After that, Wilson was seen giving a poor effort on a block on a run play, which is uncharacteristic of him. One thing he has been praised for all year is his willingness and ability to block in the run game.

However, Murray’s trust in Wilson didn’t waver.

He went on to catch four passes for 35 yards and a touchdown. A catch that didn’t go on the stat sheet was a two-point conversion from Murray that tied the game at 21. His touchdown reception tied the score at 28.

He had not caught a pass since Week 10.

Murray said after the game that Wilson’s receptions, especially to score, were “a booster for him.”

“He was really excited about it on the sideline after he scored,” Murray said, “just to trust him and show him the cut, you know, show him that I got him no matter what.”

With one game remaining this season, Wilson can wrap up his rookie season with a strong performance against the Seattle Seahawks.

He has 32 receptions for 470 yards and three touchdowns. Reaching 500 yards should happen, which would be a decent start to a career.

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.

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Cardinals’ Marquise Brown, Michael Wilson expected to play vs. 49ers

The Cardinals will have all their top receivers available against the 49ers on Sunday.

The Arizona Cardinals should have all their top receivers playing Sunday afternoon at home against the San Francisco 49ers. Receivers Marquise Brown and Michael Wilson, both listed officially as questionable to play, are expected to suit up, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Brown has had a nagging heel injury but has not missed any games with it. He was limited in practice for the final two days on Thursday and Friday. He previously played the last two games without any practice time.

Wilson has missed the last three games and four out of the last five with a shoulder injury.

Both had productive games in Week 4 against the 49ers on the road.

Brown had seven catches for 96 yard and Wilson caught seven passes for 76 yards and two touchdowns in the Cardinals’ 35-16 loss.

Kickoff between the Cardinals and 49ers from State Farm Stadium is at 2:05 p.m. Arizona time.

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.

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Injury updates on Marquise Brown, Michael Wilson, more

The Cardinals are getting healther after bye week.

The Arizona Cardinals returned from the week off for the bye week and held a bonus practice on Monday. The first injury report of the week will not come out until Wednesday but between the open part of practice and comments by head coach Jonathan Gannon, it looks like things are getting better.

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.

Cardinals WR Michael Wilson expected to miss game vs. Texans

Wilson was questionable for the game with a shoulder injury.

Arizona Cardinals rookie receiver Michael Wilson was officially questionable in Week 11 for the game against the Houston Texans. He suffered a shoulder injury on Friday.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Wilson is not expected to play.

Wilson played last week in the Cardinals’ 25-23 win over the Atlanta Falcons but had missed the Cardinals’ Week 9 game against the Cleveland Browns. He had a shoulder injury then as well.

Wilson, drafted in the third round this year, has 28 receptions for 435 yards and two touchdowns this season so far.

With Wilson not expected to play and Zach Pascal already ruled out, the Cardinals will be thin and small at receiver. They will only have Marquise Brown, Rondale Moore, Greg Dortch and Andre Baccellia, none of whom is taller than 5-foot-10.

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.

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Six points with David Dorey

Friday’s quick look at six fantasy items to know

This should be a brutally low-scoring week in fantasy football with the bye week for Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Isiah Pacheco, Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua, Tua Tagovailoa, Raheem Mostert, Tyreek Hill, Jalen Hurts, D’Andre Swift, A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. That’s three of the Top-4 quarterbacks and all of their beneficiaries.

We’re on the verge of seeing players return from injured reserve, though it never seems clear until the last minute. Once they have spent their four weeks on the list, they have 21 days to be activated or they are out for the year.

Devon Achane is hoped to return in Week 11. James Conner, Khalil Herbert, Justin Jefferson, and Deebo Samuel will soon return. That serves to improve their teams but degrade their replacements.

We’re onto the backside of the season, and you’ll notice the waiver wire gets thinner every week. There are fewer, if any, difference makers you can grab, and attention should turn to those players who have a better outlook in the back half of the season as their situations and maturations change. Here are six players that I expect to see improvement down the stretch.

  1. WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba (SEA) – The first wideout drafted this year has started very slowly but he is picking up some steam and starting to contribute more. 31-year-old Tyler Lockett could be gone next year, and the rookie’s development is critical. He scored in two of the last three games, with 13 catches for 162 yards. The Seahawks’ schedule is ripe for improvement with games against the Commanders, Rams, 49ers, Eagles and Titans coming up. The Seahawks are heading to the playoffs, so they won’t emphasize Smith-Njigba just to develop him, but the schedule is encouraging and the need to pass will be high.
  2.  RB Alexander Mattison (MIN) – It was a plus for Mattison’s fantasy outlook when Cam Akers suffered his most recent Achille injury and he waited until after the trade deadline. No one on the Vikings roster is more than just a relief back. Switching to Joshua Dobbs at quarterback should mean more reliance on the run and more potential for dump-off passes. He faces the Saints this week for a challenge, but his next three games are against the Broncos, Bears, and Raiders. He may not be the primary back next year, but he’s all that they have for now and the schedule is getting lighter.
  3.  WR Marquise Brown / Michael Wilson (ARI) – The return of Kyler Murray may take a week or two (or more) to get him back into top gear, but Marquise Brown already has chemistry with him and the rookie Michael Wilson is looking better. The next few weeks are tougher but starting in Week 13, they face the Steelers, 49s, Bears, and Eagles. So, there are plenty of reasons to throw, and the final four defenses are a fantasy advantage for receivers. Week 14 bye is not a great time in most fantasy leagues, though.
  4.  RB Tony Pollard (DAL) – The Cowboys moved on from OC Kellen Moore because he wasn’t conservative enough and now the Cowboys fell from the No. 1 fantasy backfield to one of the worst. Pollard looks like the classic “better as a 2 than a 1.” But – the Cowboys did not acquire any more help so Pollard is going to be the primary workhorse. He gets a sweet stretch the next month facing the Giants, Panthers, Commanders, Seahawks, and Eagles. Recent improvements in the Cowboys’ passing offense only help.
  5. RB Rachaad White (TB) – There is no arguing that White hasn’t met expectations after taking over as the No. 1 running back this year. And the Bucs are on a four-game losing streak as their playoff hopes have already disappeared in the distance. But the Buccaneers have done nothing to upgrade the backfield, and White just had a season-high 20 carries in Houston. He caught 13 passes over the two previous games. He has one of the lighter remaining schedules with only Week 14 and 17 against tougher run defenses and yet he will face the Colts, Panthers, Packers and Jaguars.
  6. WR Brandon Aiyuk (SF) – He hasn’t scored since Week 1 and only logged two high-yardage games. But he comes off his bye and will face a very attractive stretch against the Jaguars, Buccaneers, Seahawks, and Eagles. His Week 17 opponent is the Commanders. The 49ers need a turnaround on their three-game losing streak, and the schedule lightens up in a way that should benefit Aiyuk – and Deebo Samuels as well.

About last night…

Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

Panthers 13, Bears 16

These Thursday games have been ugly lately. The only exciting play in the entire game was the 79-yard punt return touchdown in the first quarter that would be the only by the Panthers. Bryce Young was largely ineffective, completing 21-of-38 passes for 185 yards and no scores or turnovers. Adam Thielen (6-42) is the only Carolina receiver who offers any fantasy value, and he had a down game. Mike Strachan was called up from the practice squad and led the Carolina receivers one catch for 45 yards.

The backfield is unchanged. Chuba Hubbard (9-23) was sprinkled ineffectually throughout the game, while Miles Sanders (2-(-5)) didn’t even show up until the second half but at last, he caught two passes for 15 yards to prevent negative fantasy points. The Bears’ defense is one of the worst in the NFL and yet looked up to the task against the visiting Panthers who fall to 1-8 and host the Cowboys next week.

Tyson Bagent threw for only 162 yards and no scores or turnovers. DJ Moore faced his old team and led the Bears with only five catches for 58 yards. Cole Kmet ended with 45 yards on five receptions but no other receiver gained more than 15 yards.

D’Onta Foreman also faced his old team and ran for 80 yards, which included the only Bears touchdown on his 21 carries. Foreman was the only running back in the game that looked prepared and capable. The Bears rise to 3-7 and play in Detroit for Week 11.

Cardinals’ second-leading receiver not expected to play vs. Browns

The Cardinals will likely be without their second-leading receiver.

Week 9 of the NFL is getting ready for kickoff in Munich, Germany, but the Cleveland Browns and Arizona Cardinals are set for kickoff later this afternoon in Northeast Ohio. The Browns will be starting Deshaun Watson at quarterback, and the Cardinals will be starting rookie fifth round pick Clayton Tune. And life just got harder on the rookie quarterback as the Cardinals are expected to be without starting wide receiver Michael Wilson (according to Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz).

Wilson, a third round pick out of Stanford this past April, has already racked up 401 yards and two touchdowns on 25 catches this season for the Cardinals. He is the second leading receiver on the team behind former first round pick Marquise Brown.

Behind Brown now, the Cardinals are now left with Rondale Moore, Greg Dortch, and Zach Pascal at the wide receiver position. This is a tall task when going against Denzel Ward and Martin Emerson Jr.

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Six points with David Dorey

Friday’s quick look at six fantasy items to know

The trade deadline came and went without any real fireworks other than Joshua Dobbs switching to the Vikings for almost no cost. Dobbs gets a nice upgrade to his receivers, especially when Justin Jefferson makes it back. We saw a painful week for quarterbacks, and as of this week, eight teams will have started a different quarterback for at least one game. We haven’t seen any of the top quarterbacks miss games, though Kirk Cousins’ season is now over.

Injuries seem to be coming in waves. Two weeks ago was a very light week. But it all draws the same conclusion – you need depth. You can never let your roster just ride and not worry about upgrading it at every chance you get. True – there won’t likely be any Top-10 players waiting for you to rescue them from the waiver wire. But some players develop through the season and grow in value. And you likely have players that are not exactly who you hoped they would be.

It’s also important to consider carrying two defenses and two kickers to give you options. And upgrading those positions as well. Here’s a look at six things to follow heading into Sunday for Week 9.

  1.  QB Taylor Heinicke (ATL) –  The Falcons have benched Desmond Ridder for this week (at least) and are starting Heinicke, who stepped in last week in the third quarter and completed 12-of-21 passes for 175 yards and one touchdown. It complicates evaluating Ridder because he plays in a run-heavy offense, but through eight games, he’s only thrown six touchdowns against six interceptions. Heinicke plays the visiting Vikings this week, and if he throws well, HC Arthur Smith would have to consider keeping him on the field. The fantasy futures of Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Jonnu Smith depend on it. 
  2. WR Demario Douglas (NE) – The Patriots lost their No. 1 wideout Kendrick Bourne to a torn ACL, and DeVante Parker is out with a concussion. The rookie Douglas had already seen a rise in pass targets with a high of seven last week. He’s been below fantasy relevancy but is now a starting slot receiver. JuJu Smith-Schuster is second string now, so Douglas has a nice chance to shine and this week faces the visiting Commanders’ defense, who rank No. 31 versus wideouts. Kayshon Boutte is also expected to start seeing playing time.
  3.  WR Jonathan Mingo (CAR) – The 6-0, 220 star wideout from Mississippi was the second-round pick of the Panthers. The Panthers’ passing offense is slowly improving, with Bryce Young at the helm, and Adam Thielen has already been a fantasy gem this year. Mingo is one to watch as the starting flanker. He’s only been good for around three catches in most weeks, but he ended with four receptions for 62 yards last Sunday. His 40-yard catch and run in the third quarter set up a much-needed field goal in their 13-15 win over the Texans. Facing the Colts this week and the Bears in Week 10 are worth tracking to see if he’s starting to assert himself in the second half of the season.
  4. RB Leonard Fournette (BUF) – Chances are exceedingly high that he will disappoint every fantasy owner who waited for eight games to have him find a team or the waiver wire hound that outbid the rest of their fantasy league dreaming of the old Touchdown Lenny. He was signed to the practice squad and there is a reason why no one wanted him for eight weeks. We’re all waiting for him to be added to the active roster, and the expectation will be that he can be a short-yardage back. Bills GM Brandon Beane said, “He’s a heavy, heavy dude–mid to 230s. He looks good…just competition to the room, but he doesn’t know this playbook. And so, I think it’s good for him to come in here and start on the practice squad. He’s head down. He’s been great, and we’ll take it one day at a time with him.” Fournette may become a factor later in the year, but he’s no Week 9 consideration.
  5. Yards per catch for NFL wideouts – Every so often if is good to review which receivers are being the most effective with their catches, especially for the younger ones who are still developing.
    Wide Receiver Yards/Catch Receptions Yards
    1    DEN Marvin Mims 22.4 11 246
    2    NO Rashid Shaheed 20.8 23 479
    3    DET Josh Reynolds 18.0 22 397
    4    SF Brandon Aiyuk 17.7 35 620
    5    HOU Nico Collins 17.5 33 577
    6    PIT George Pickens 17.4 30 521
    7    MIA Tyreek Hill 16.6 61 1014
    8    LAC Joshua Palmer 16.4 23 377
    9    TEN DeAndre Hopkins 16.1 35 564
    10    ARI Michael Wilson 16.0 25 401

    The above considered players with at least ten catches. Marvin Mims is starting well but the Broncos didn’t trade away any starters. Rashid Shaheen has been a factor in a few games but lacks consistency. It is a plus to see Nico Collins already connecting with C.J. Stroud. The rookie Michael Wilson is also notable since he’ll be paired with Kyle Murray soon.

  6. QB Joshua Dobbs (MIN) – With only a few days since the trade was accomplished, the Vikings will start the rookie Jaren Hall versus the Falcons, and there’s no guarantee that the rookie doesn’t also start against the visiting Saints in Week 10. It’s not impossible that Hall does well and keeps the job – but it is less likely. Justin Jefferson has missed three games with a strained hamstring and only has to miss this week. Ian Rapoport reported that Jefferson is “coming back sooner than later.” Dobbs may be stepping in at a very opportune time in Week 10. What Jaren Hall does this week will be a key to what happens with Dobbs.

About last night…

Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Titans 16, Steelers 20

The Will Levis Experience apparently does not include four touchdowns every week, and while he did not throw any, he was still admittedly impressive with his 262 yards and one interception that ended the game. DeAndre Hopkins (4-60) still had several nice catches and Kyle Phillip (4-68) turned in a season-best but no one else had more than 30 yards. Levis cooled off without those touchdown bombs to Hopkins, but he still looked more poised and capable than someone in their second career start. 

Derrick Henry ran for 75 yards on 17 rushes with one touchdown, and even added three catches for 27 yards. Tyjae Spears handled five carries for just 18 yards and caught four passes for just four yards. The Titans were in the game until the final seconds and Levis took over with 1:44 left to play at their own 15-yard line and drove the team to the PIT 24-yard line with 11 seconds left to play when he threw an interception instead of a game-winning touchdown.

Kenny Pickett only passed for 160 yards and one score, with Diontae Johnson (7-90, TD) as the only receiver with more than 25 yards. George Pickens almost caught a touchdown but settled for only two catches for a net one-yard loss. Jaylen Warren (11-88) and Najee Harris (16-69, TD) split up the backfield workload. This was a low-scoring game with minimal fireworks, but it was a Thursday game.