Arizona Cardinals receiver Michael Wilson will miss the rest of the season after sustaining a neck fracture.
Wilson was hurt on the fourth play of Sunday’s 17-3 loss to Seattle. He caught a 17-yard pass, then landed on his head when Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon tackled him. Wilson stayed in the game.
Coach Mike LaFleur said Wilson mentioned that his neck felt stiff during the game, but the seriousness of the injury became clear after the adrenaline wore off and he underwent testing on Monday.
The Cardinals placed Wilson on injured reserve Tuesday. He had signed a three-year, $75 million contract extension before the season, after establishing himself as Arizona’s top receiver. Through nine games, he had 51 catches for 546 yards and two touchdowns.
Wilson finished last season with 78 receptions, 1,006 yards and seven touchdowns. His absence leaves Arizona short on receivers, particularly after Marvin Harrison Jr. was traded in October. The remaining receivers on the active roster are Simi Fehoko, Devin Duvernay, Reggie Virgil and Harrison Wallace.
LaFleur said Wilson’s injury gives other players a chance to step up. Tight end Trey McBride could also see more targets. He leads the NFL with 73 catches and has 598 yards and five touchdowns.
Arizona is also dealing with uncertainty at quarterback. Gardner Minshew may require season-ending surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. With Jacoby Brissett recently traded to Baltimore, rookie Carson Beck would be in line to start if Minshew cannot play.
Beck could have a difficult path ahead: rookie running back Jeremiyah Love is on injured reserve, and much of the receiving group has limited experience.
The 3-6 Cardinals host the 5-4 Los Angeles Rams on Sunday at 4:05 p.m. ET.
