Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson has been running with the starting offense early in training camp practices, even after the team added Zay Jones in the offseason. Wilson led the starting unit on Thursday with three catches and is looking to build on a rookie season in which he had 38 receptions for 565 yards on 58 targets. In addition to his role on offense, Wilson also split repetition in punt-return drills with Greg Dortch and Xavier Weaver. Rookie first-rounder Marvin Harrison Jr. is going to be a starter right away, so Wilson, Dortch and Jones figure to battle for the next two starting spots in camp and the preseason. The 24-year-old Wilson appears to be off to a good start. If he can remain as efficient as he was in 2023 with more opportunities in 2024, Wilson could be a popular early-season waiver-wire target in the Cardinals offense.
Cardinals Expecting Big Season From Michael Wilson
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson finished his rookie campaign with 38 receptions (58 targets) for 565 yards and three touchdowns in 13 games last year. It wasn't a great showing, but the Stanford product posted three games of at least 75 receiving yards and netted a respectable 14.9 yards per reception. Franchise quarterback Kyler Murray is expected big things from Wilson in his sophomore season. "He's one of those guys -- if I call him at 3:00 a.m., he's there," Murray said. "I fully expect Mike to go off this year for sure." Head coach Jonathan Gannon echoed Murray's statements, saying Wilson is "fast and explosive." Although it's a great sign that his quarterback and head coach believe in him, expectations should be tempered. In all likelihood, he'll operate as the No. 3 option in the passing game behind Marvin Harrison Jr. and tight end Trey McBride. Either way, he figures to be an intriguing late-round flier and best ball option.
Michael Wilson With Career-Best Performance In Season Finale
In the Cardinals' narrow 21-20 loss to the Seahawks, Arizona rookie wide receiver Michael Wilson delivered a career-best performance, securing all six targets for an impressive 95 yards. The 2023 third-round pick showcased his potential, establishing a promising connection with quarterback Kyler Murray. Unlike their previous struggles, where they connected on just seven of 19 passes for 69 yards and one touchdown in four appearances together, Wilson and Murray seemed to find their rhythm in the season finale. As the 2023 season concludes, Wilson heads into the offseason with momentum, looking forward to a potential breakout in the 2024 campaign. His cumulative season stats of 38 receptions, 565 yards, and three touchdowns on 58 targets reflect a healthy 14.9 yards per catch and 9.7 yards per target.
Arizona Cardinals receiver Michael Wilson's Week 17 performance, amassing four receptions for 35 yards and a touchdown, provided a glimmer of hope after a recent dry spell. However, with his failing to record a catch on his last seven targets over the last two games, Wilson's 5.8 yards per target efficiency is a concern. Even though The 23-year-old's ability to find the end zone adds a silver lining, a matchup against the Seahawks poses a few challenges. With Wilson still getting reacclimated in the offense from a neck injury that sidelined him in Weeks 11-13, the lack of synergy with quarterback Kyler Murray in the past two games also raises questions about his consistency. Fantasy managers should exercise caution and sit Wilson in Week 18, prioritizing more reliable options as the Cardinals close out the season against Seattle.
In Sunday's 35-31 triumph over the Eagles, Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson redeemed himself with an impactful performance, catching 4-of-6 targets for 35 yards and a crucial five-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter to tie the game. After a two-game catchless streak, Wilson showcased his resilience, reconnecting with quarterback Kyler Murray for a pivotal score. Although Wilson's efficiency was modest at 5.8 yards per target, the 23-year-old wideout proved instrumental in the Cardinals' comeback win. Looking ahead to Week 18 against the Seahawks and 2024, fantasy managers can find reassurance in Wilson's ability to rebound, envisioning him as a potential cornerstone of the Cardinal's passing attack for years to come.
Heading into Week 17, rookie receiver Michael Wilson faces the Philadelphia Eagles, currently ranked 12th against the pass. In the two games since his return from injury, Wilson hasn't found the end zone, failing to catch any of the seven targets thrown his way. With teammate Marquise Brown now on IR for the remainder of the season (knee) Wilson remains in the WR4 conversation, showcasing the potential for a breakthrough performance. The matchup could be the catalyst for Wilson to break his recent streak and offer fantasy owners a promising end to the season. However, unless managers have no other options for their championship games, Wilson isn't reliable enough to start and should remain on the fantasy bench.
Arizona Cardinals rookie wideout Michael Wilson faced challenges in his Week 15 return from a neck injury, failing to record a reception in the Cardinals' loss to the 49ers. However, for Week 16 against Chicago, Wilson's outlook gains intrigue. With starter Marquise Brown likely sidelined due to a recurring heel injury, Wilson is poised to assume an increased role in the Cardinals' offense, potentially making him a fantasy option in this matchup. Wilson, though relatively quiet recently, has the opportunity to make a significant impact given the circumstances. Fantasy managers in need of a potential sleeper should consider Wilson for Week 16, anticipating an expanded role in the absence of Brown.
Marquise Brown, Michael Wilson Officially Active Sunday
Arizona Cardinals wide receivers Marquise Brown (heel) and Michael Wilson (neck) are active for Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers. Both players had been listed as questionable but were trending in the right direction prior to kickoff. Brown has produced mixed results this season, catching just 51 of 101 targets for 574 yards and four touchdowns. Meanwhile, Wilson is making his return from a three-game absence. The promising rookie has 28 catches for 435 yards and a pair of touchdowns over the course of nine contests. While Brown and Wilson are solid players, a tough matchup against the 49ers does create some concern. Fantasy managers should view both as WR3/FLEX options this week
Marquise Brown, Michael Wilson Expected To Play Versus 49ers
Arizona Cardinals wide receivers Marquise Brown (heel) and Michael Wilson (neck) are expected to play against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 15 despite being listed as questionable, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Brown has produced mixed results this season, ultimately catching just 51 of 101 targets for 574 yards and four touchdowns. When the 26-year-old last faced the Niners, he caught seven of 10 passes from Josh Dobbs for a total of 96 yards through the air. Meanwhile, Wilson is making his return from a three-game absence. The promising rookie has 28 catches for 435 yards and a pair of touchdowns over the course of nine contests. He had the best game of his young career earlier this season against San Francisco, catching all seven of his targets for 76 yards and two touchdowns. While both Brown and Wilson are solid players, a tough matchup against the 49ers does create some concern regardless of how well they performed during the first meeting earlier this season. Fantasy managers should view both as WR3/FLEX options this week.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson (shoulder) is considered questionable for the Week 15 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. Wilson has been dealing with a nagging shoulder issue for over a month. He has been limited through practice all week, which gets him a questionable tag for the weekend. If active, Wilson is nothing more than a WR4 against a tough 49ers defense. It doesn't sound like he's 100 percent healthy yet, so fantasy managers probably shouldn't take the gamble.