Michael Wilson ruled out for season with neck injury
Arizona Cardinals receiver Michael Wilson will miss the rest of the American football season with a neck injury, coach Mike LaFleur confirmed. Wilson was hurt early against Seattle but continued playing before tests revealed the injury. Arizona’s receiving group has already lost Jalen Brooks and Kendrick Bourne, leaving a reduced group of targets for its quarterbacks.
Sports··Evening
Tests end Wilson’s season
Michael Wilson, a receiver for the American football team Arizona Cardinals, will miss the rest of the season with a neck injury. Coach Mike LaFleur confirmed the decision on 9 November after Wilson was hurt against the Seattle Seahawks. The injury occurred on Arizona’s fourth offensive play, when Wilson caught a pass and was brought down by Devon Witherspoon. He landed awkwardly but got up without help and continued playing. Wilson initially described a kink in his neck. After the game, further medical testing revealed the severity of the injury. Arizona’s official account described a fracture, while ESPN also reported a fractured vertebra through a source.[1], [2]
Arizona loses another receiver
Wilson’s absence adds to a succession of injuries in Arizona’s receiving group. Jalen Brooks had already been lost for the season after dislocating his wrist against Denver in the seventh week and undergoing emergency surgery. Kendrick Bourne was then injured in the following game at Dallas; the Cardinals’ account said he reportedly fractured his tibia. Wilson had also been playing through two broken ribs before the neck injury. LaFleur said he had not previously seen a receiving group affected by injuries to this extent. He expressed appreciation for the players’ efforts, while keeping the message he had delivered to the team private.[2]
Remaining receivers face larger roles
Arizona’s remaining receivers include Simi Fehoko, Devin Duvernay and rookies Reggie Virgil and Harrison Wallace III. Veteran Zay Jones is on the practice squad. LaFleur said the situation gives other players an opportunity to show what they can do. Wilson had been a substantial part of the offense before his injury, with 51 catches and two touchdowns through nine games. His catch total ranked 10th in the league, according to the club. Before the season he signed a three-year contract extension worth 75 million dollars. LaFleur said he was not concerned about a long-term injury when discussing Wilson’s condition after the tests.[1], [2]
