Apex Scores Lite Apex Scores Lite flag
back Back
Cardinals star Michael Wilson out for remainder of the season with neck fracture in crushing blow, coach says

Wilson suffered the injury on the fourth play of the Cardinals' loss but played the rest of the game

Arizona Cardinals star wide receiver Michael Wilson is out for the season after suffering a fracture in his neck.

Wilson, 26, suffered the injury on the fourth play of the Cardinals’ 17-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, but continued to play. He caught a 17-yard pass and landed on his head after being tackled by cornerback Devon Witherspoon.

"He said (during the game) he kind of had a kink in his neck, but he's such a warrior you didn't think much of it," head coach Mike LaFleur told reporters on Monday. "Then obviously when the adrenaline wore down and he got his test today, that's when we knew."

Michael Wilson warms up before an NFL game against the Seattle Seahawks.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in Seattle on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Kevin Ng)

The Cardinals officially placed Wilson on IR on Tuesday.

Wilson signed a three-year, $75 million extension before Week 1 after emerging as Cardinals' No. 1 wide receiver. In nine games this season, Wilson had 51 catches for 546 yards and two touchdowns.

Last season, Wilson had 78 catches for 1,006 yards with seven touchdowns. With Wilson injured and Marvin Harrison Jr. traded in October, the Cardinals are dangerously thin at wide receiver.

Simi Fehoko, Devin Duvernay, Reggie Virgil and Harrison Wallace are the four remaining wide receivers on the active roster. LaFleur said Wilson’s injury creates opportunities for other players to step up and show what they can do.

Michael Wilson (14) catches a touchdown pass while P.J. Locke (1) defends.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson (14) makes a touchdown catch as Dallas Cowboys safety P.J. Locke (1) looks on during an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

The lack of wide receiver options will likely mean even more targets for superstar tight end Trey McBride.

McBride has 73 receptions, the most in the NFL, along with 598 yards and five touchdowns.

Unfortunately for the Cardinals, the injury news didn’t stop with Wilson.

Starting quarterback Gardner Minshew may need season-ending surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, according to ESPN. The Cardinals recently traded Jacoby Brissett to the Baltimore Ravens, so rookie quarterback Carson Beck would start if Minshew is unable to play.

Michael Wilson runs with the ball during an NFL game in Seattle.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson runs with the ball against the Seattle Seahawks during an NFL game in Seattle on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Beck would face difficult circumstances, as star rookie running back Jeremiyah Love is on injured reserve , and the team's wide receiver group consists largely of unproven players.

The Cardinals' (3-6) next game is against the Los Angeles Rams (5-4) at home on Sunday at 4:05 p.m. ET.

You may like

Big NFL Moves for Two Ex-Cal Players: Young Fernando Mendoza, Aging Keenan Allen

si.com 2 hours ago

NFL QB Rankings after Week 9: Jordan Love lights up, Justin Herbert's slide continues

fansided.com 2 hours ago

NFL trade deadline aftermath: Which teams improved, which teams should have made moves

cbssports.com 10 minutes ago

NFL Playoff picture risers and fallers: Vikings, Jaguars load up at NFL Trade Deadline, Bears eye...

fansided.com 1 hour ago

Patriots' Stand-Still Trade Deadline Looks Worse as Many AFC Rivals Improve

si.com 2 hours ago

‘Losing Patience,’ ‘Clearly a Shot at (Brian Schottenheimer)’ — NFL Fans React to Cowboys Owner J...

aol.com 2 hours ago

Ravens Part Ways Former Steelers Tight End

aol.com 2 hours ago

Why the Texans Chose to Stand Pat at NFL Trade Deadline

si.com 2 hours ago

Vikings reacquire Kirk Cousins from Raiders for 2027 third-round pick

inquisitr.com 3 hours ago

The top 5 biggest impact deadline trades, including Jaguars and Bears shooting for a Super Bowl

aol.com 2 hours ago