According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, “the Arizona Cardinals are finalizing a deal to trade WR Marvin Harrison… The team informed Harrison this morning that he will be inactive for Sunday’s game vs Detroit as details of the trade are finalized.” This would be Arizona’s WR depth chart without Harrison:

• Michael Wilson
• Kendrick Bourne
• Jalen Brooks
• Simi Fehoko
• Reggie Virgil

Marvin Harrison never fulfilled the expectations on him

When the Cardinals selected Harrison as the fourth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, all parties involved were hyped. Harrison was one of the best prospects after an outstanding stint in Ohio State. Also, his father is one of the best wideouts of all time.

However, all the traits he dominated in college never showed at the NFL level. He now struggles with routes, separation, and having safe hands. In three years, he has 10 drops, no 1,000-yard seasons and just three broken tackles.

The Cardinals already have a clear WR1

It’s not like the Cardinals relied on Harrison. All the contrary, they have an absolute stud in Michael Wilson. The four-year receiver already reached a 1,000 yards last year, and he is averaging a career-high 64.5 yards per game right now. He is a volume machine and a premier route artist.

Also, the Cardinals have an incredible tight end in Trey McBride. Arguably the best in the NFL, McBride is virtually unguardable. He has two-straight 1,000-yard seasons and scored 11 touchdowns in 2025.

Key takeaways

• Arizona informed Marvin Harrison Jr. he will be inactive while finalizing a trade.
• Harrison recorded 10 drops and zero 1,000-yard seasons over three years in Arizona.
• Tight end Trey McBride scored 11 touchdowns for the Cardinals in 2025.

“I’m heating up,” Winston admitted, via Jordan Raanan of ESPN, during his postgame press conference. “And I’m starting to get better, better and better. Last week I was questioning if I can even throw. This week I got people talking about the Jameis Winston experience again.”

Timing is no coincidence. Last week, after Winston and the Giants barely moved the ball down the field well enough to defeat the Tennessee Titans, New York tested the market and completed a trade for McCarthy. In his first game serving as backup in New York, Winston put him in check. For the time being, it’s Winston’s job to lose, and he won’t give it up without putting up a fight.

“I’m just grateful for the opportunity I have now. Right now, I get to smile and say, ‘I’m the starting QB for the New York Football Giants.’ I’m still so curious and so inspired to be the best me every single day. That alone pushes me. Not another man, not another teammate. Just my desire to be what I would love,” Winston said, via SNY.

NY Giants have a QB competition

With the young quarterback awaiting his call behind Winston, the former first overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft can sense the ice underneath him getting thinner, just when the temperatures start to drop in the Big Apple and the ice should actually grow thicker at the Wollman Rink in Central Park.

Although Harbaugh and the coaching staff have been reassuring, Winston knows there is a real competitor vying to take his QB1 spot in New York, and that led to adrenaline kicking in and a much better showing against the Cardinals. It wasn’t always pretty, though. Winston struggled to find his footing, but once he did, he produced just enough for the Giants to win and improve to 3-1.

Of course, once again, the G-Men needed a heroic goal-line stand from their defense to hold off the visitors at MetLife Stadium, and added the cherry on top as Deonte Banks called game with a time-expiring pick-six.

Winston’s stats in Week 4

Winston finished Week 4 18-for-19 (94.7%) for 250 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. Just like Winston himself put it, it was the Jameis Winston experience for the fans in East Rutherford on the day the organization celebrated the 1986 Super Bowl-winning team, the first in franchise history, 40 years later.

Based on the interview Bolavip had with Carl Banks before the season, he is confident in Harbaugh’s team, and he got to watch the Giants clear a big hurdle live. It was a special game for everybody in New York, and Winston didn’t want to lower the bar.

Key takeaways

• Jameis Winston said he “is heating up,” subtly warning JJ McCarthy.
• New York Giants defeated the Arizona Cardinals 36-24 in Week 4.
• Jameis Winston recorded 250 passing yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions.

Beckham’s return initially generated plenty of excitement after he earned a roster spot following his comeback attempt with the Giants. However, that momentum quickly faded as opportunities became limited and his performances failed to establish him as a consistent part of New York’s offensive plans.

John Harbaugh’s decision ultimately came down to roster construction. With the Giants choosing not to dedicate as many roster spots to wide receivers, Beckham became the player who was let go as the coaching staff determined that the roster spot could provide more value elsewhere.

Why did the Giants release Odell Beckham Jr.?

John Harbaugh explained that the Giants simply did not believe Odell Beckham Jr. was doing enough to justify keeping him on the 53-man roster. The decision was not about one isolated moment, but rather an overall evaluation of what the team needed and how it wanted to allocate its roster spots.

The Giants also recognized that Beckham had not received as many opportunities as the coaching staff initially hoped. Harbaugh took responsibility for that part of the situation, acknowledging that the coaching staff could have done more to get the veteran receiver involved before ultimately deciding to move on.

That made the decision particularly difficult after the excitement surrounding Beckham’s return. The Giants had given fans a reason to believe that OBJ could contribute in his second stint with the franchise, but the reunion never developed into the type of storyline many expected.

New York ultimately decided that carrying fewer wide receivers would give the roster more flexibility at other positions. Beckham was the casualty of that decision, despite his history with the organization and the attention his return generated.

Beckham is now a free agent and can sign with another team that believes it has a role for him. His Giants reunion may not have worked out as hoped, but the veteran wide receiver could still have an opportunity to continue his NFL career elsewhere.

Key takeaways

• Odell Beckham Jr. was released before the Giants’ Week 4 game against Arizona.
• John Harbaugh decided to cut him to free up 53-man roster space.
• He is now a free agent and eligible to sign with another team.

Dart suffered damage to his meniscus, MCL and PCL, although fortunately his ACL remained intact. The severity of the injury forced the Giants to rule him out for the remainder of the regular season and ultimately send him to surgery. The procedure addressed the damaged meniscus as well as the associated ligament damage, putting Dart on a lengthy rehabilitation timeline.

The Giants initially left open a small possibility that Jaxson Dart could make a return during the playoffs if the team qualified. However, that possibility has become increasingly unrealistic as more information about his recovery has emerged. With Jameis Winston now leading the offense and the Giants recently acquiring J.J. McCarthy, Dart’s focus has shifted toward making a full recovery rather than attempting to return during the 2026 postseason.

When is Jaxson Dart coming back?

John Harbaugh provided a positive update after Jaxson Dart’s surgery, saying the procedure went as expected and that doctors found the damage they anticipated before repairing it. The Giants coach also indicated that the surgery did not significantly alter the projected recovery timeline, which remains approximately four to six months.

That timeline immediately made a playoff return extremely difficult, even though Harbaugh initially refused to completely close the door on the possibility. With the postseason beginning in January, Dart would have to recover at the very fastest end of the projection and then be cleared to play at the highest level after a major knee injury. Harbaugh has since acknowledged that the idea of Dart returning for the playoffs may be too ambitious.

As a result, the Giants should be planning on having Dart back for the 2027 NFL season rather than expecting him to return this year. The priority will be allowing the young quarterback to complete his rehabilitation and regain full strength in his left knee before returning to the field. For now, Jameis Winston remains the Giants’ starter, while J.J. McCarthy gives the team another option as it moves forward without its injured quarterback.

Who is the Giants backup QB?

Jake Haener is the Giants backup quarterback for the game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 4. J.J. McCarthy will be QB3 in the depth chart after his surprising trade from the Minnesota Vikings.

Key takeaways

• Jaxson Dart is out for the regular season after sustaining a serious left knee injury.
• Tests showed damage to his meniscus, MCL, and PCL, but his ACL remained intact.
• Coach John Harbaugh stated Dart’s surgery was successful with a 4 to 6 month timeline.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Evans is dealing with a rib injury and will be evaluated again tomorrow. For now, the 49ers must deal with the fact that he will probably be sidelined for weeks depending on the severity of the heat.

Before exiting the game against the Cardinals, Evans had three catches in six targets for 34 yards and a touchdown. Evans is a focal point of the offense. Without him, the 49ers must adapt heavily.

That is not the only injury suffered by the 49ers during game vs Cardinals

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, left tackle Trent Williams, who left the game carted out, is dealing with a stinger. That complicates things for the 49ers during this game as Williams is a soon-to-be first-ballot Hall of Famer. However, the positive news is stingers tend to last a day or two, and he shouldn’t miss any games.

The 49ers have dealt with huge injuries for years now, even starting a full investigation to see if the electrical substation in front of their facility was causing tissues to soften or causing injuries. It seems like they are injury-plagued year after year.

Mike Evans is the undoubted WR1 of the team

Replacing Evans is no easy feat. He is an elite receiver, a Super Bowl champion, and has reached the 1,000-yard mark in all but one season in his career. Given that the 49ers lost Ricky Pearsall for all season, and they won’t count with Brandon Aiyuk for extra curricular reasons, Evans is a need not a luxury.

Without him, Deebo Samuel will turn into the WR1. However, Samuel, who is a veteran, is more of a gadget player than a volume, go-to receiver. This could mean that tight end George Kittle becomes the primary pass-catcher of the team.

Key takeaways

• Wide receiver Mike Evans suffered a rib injury against the Arizona Cardinals and was ruled out.
• Before exiting the game, the wideout recorded three catches for 34 yards and one touchdown.
• Left tackle Trent Williams left the game after suffering a stinger.

The 49ers have dealt with several availability concerns, and losing their star pass rusher creates another challenge for a defense that depends heavily on his ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks.

The injury also raises questions about how long San Francisco will have to play without Bosa. Although the defensive end is expected to miss multiple weeks, the team has not placed him on injured reserve, leaving open the possibility of a return before the minimum absence that designation would require.

What happened to Nick Bosa?

Nick Bosa suffered a calf injury during Thursday’s practice, leaving the 49ers without their defensive leader for the matchup against Arizona. The injury occurred during preparations for Week 3, and the team has not provided a specific timetable for his return. For now, San Francisco will have to adjust its defensive rotation while monitoring his recovery.

The biggest question is how many games Bosa will miss. The current expectation is that the defensive star will be sidelined for several weeks, although his exact recovery timeline remains uncertain. His absence could significantly affect the 49ers’ pass rush, particularly as the team continues dealing with injuries across the roster.

Despite the expected absence, San Francisco has not placed Bosa on injured reserve. ESPN insider Adam Schefter confirmed that decision. “49ers have decided not to place DE Nick Bosa on injured reserve, per league source. Bosa pulled his calf muscle at Thursday’s practice and now is expected to miss few weeks – but avoid IR.”

Key takeaways

• Nick Bosa will miss Week 3 against Arizona after suffering a calf injury.
• The defensive end pulled a muscle during Thursday’s practice preparing for the game.
• San Francisco chose not to place him on injured reserve, avoiding IR.

Darnold was injured just five snaps into the season opener when he was taken down on a sack and immediately showed discomfort. He initially went to the sideline for evaluation before leaving the game, with Drew Lock taking over at quarterback and helping Seattle secure the victory.

The Seahawks later clarified that Darnold’s hip joint was unaffected and described the injury as a “very unique soft-tissue injury” involving his glute. The team does not consider the injury long-term, but Darnold has not recovered quickly enough to return against Arizona.

Is Sam Darnold playing today for Seahawks against Cardinals?

No, Sam Darnold is not playing today against the Cardinals. Head coach Mike Macdonald confirmed that Darnold would miss Week 2, but the good news for Seattle is that the team does not anticipate placing its starting quarterback on injured reserve.

That means the Seahawks can continue monitoring Darnold’s recovery without committing to a lengthy absence. Macdonald said Darnold is progressing well and expressed optimism about his return, although he did not provide a specific timetable.

Drew Lock will start in Darnold’s place after stepping in during the season opener. Jeremy Fowler previously reported that Darnold could possibly miss Week 3 as well, while more recent reports have pointed to Week 4 as a more likely return target. Week 5 against the San Francisco 49ers is also a potential target if Seattle takes a more cautious approach, but there is no official return date yet.

McConkey was able to walk off the field on his own before entering the medical blue tent on the Chargers’ sideline. Shortly after, he jogged to the locker room to undergo further evaluation. In the meantime, Justin Herbert will be without his most reliable target during Los Angeles’ 2026 NFL season opener.

With McConkey off the field, the Chargers’ WR depth chart features: Quentin Johnston, Tre’ Harris, Brenen Thompson, and Derius Davis. Needless to say, it’s slim pickings for Herbert, and the Bolts are in trouble.

“Ladd McConkey (chest) and Keandre Lambert-Smith (hamstring) are questionable to return,” the Chargers announced on X. Lambert-Smith would have been another option on the Chargers’ depth chart.

Surprise injury

When McConkey went down at SoFi Stadium after the big hit from Cardinals’ Mack Wilson, he appeared to be grabbing at his hip, showing discomfort in that region. However, the Chargers have now revealed the third-year wide receiver is dealing with a chest injury.

Before leaving the game with a chest injury, McConkey had caught five passes for 82 yards and a touchdown, leading the certainly-not-off-to-the-races Chargers in receiving.

Concerning offensive outing

Mike McDaniel’s debut as offensive coordinator was anything but as advertised. Los Angeles didn’t look anything close to what fans expected from the offensive-minded guru, failing to take advantage of Herbert’s skills. McConkey’s setback only dug the Chargers a deeper hole.

On the team’s first drive without him, Herbert threw an interception into the hands of safety Andrew Wingard. When it rains, it pours. And there may be a leak in SoFi Stadium’s roof.

The No. 4 in Arizona is one of the team’s biggest offensive hopes, particularly in the running game. A lot is expected from the former Notre Dame Fighting Irish player, who enjoyed an excellent college football career.

What other options does Mike LaFleur have on the depth chart behind Jeremiyah Love? First up as the primary alternative is Tyler Allgeier, while a little further down the depth chart is Bam Knight.

Jeremiyah Love’s preseason numbers

Selected out of Notre Dame with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Love had a brief but eye-catching preseason debut for the Cardinals. He only suited up for the Week 1 game against the Las Vegas Raiders, putting up solid numbers with 11 carries for 58 rushing yards plus 3 receptions for 15 yards (73 total yards from scrimmage).

After suffering a minor ankle tweak late in that contest, the coaching staff decided to play it safe and hold him out for the rest of the summer, meaning he didn’t log any snaps against either the Dallas Cowboys or the Green Bay Packers.

A difficult start to the season for the Cardinals

Many times, having a great season also depends on having a schedule that is as favorable as possible. The Cardinals, who will look to establish themselves in the NFC West, have one of the toughest starts to the season they could have been given.

• Week 1, at Los Angeles Chargers (September 13)
• Week 2, vs Seattle Seahawks (September 20)
• Week 3, at San Francisco 49ers (September 27)
• Week 4, at New York Giants (October 4)
• Week 5, vs Detroit Lions (October 11)

How to watch Packers vs Cardinals in the USA

The Green Bay Packers vs. Arizona Cardinals preseason game will be available in the United States through Fubo and NFL+.

Can I watch Packers vs Cardinals for free?

Fubo offers a 5-day free trial for eligible new subscribers, making it the option to check for a free way to watch Packers vs. Cardinals. Trial eligibility and the offer displayed at signup should be confirmed before subscribing.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

The Packers vs. Cardinals preseason finale is less about the final score and more about the decisions it can influence before the regular season. With roster cuts approaching, Friday’s game gives both coaching staffs one last extended look at players competing for jobs, particularly those who have not yet secured a place on the 53-man roster.

For Green Bay, the matchup also comes after the Packers and Cardinals held a joint practice in Green Bay on August 26, giving both teams additional competitive work before their preseason meeting.

Arizona head coach Mike LaFleur spoke ahead of the session about the value of facing another team rather than simply continuing training-camp drills, while the Cardinals have used camp to evaluate several position battles under their new head coach.

The Cardinals have particular interest in the final evaluation period as they continue building under first-year head coach LaFleur. Arizona’s training camp has featured competition across the roster, while the organization has also been working through its quarterback situation with Kyler Murray and Jacoby Brissett.

What time is the Packers vs Cardinals match?

The Packers vs. Cardinals game kicks off on Friday, August 28, at 8:00 PM ET. The game will be played at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, with the local kickoff scheduled for 7:00 PM CT.

• Eastern Time: 8:00 PM
• Central Time: 7:00 PM
• Mountain Time: 6:00 PM
• Pacific Time: 5:00 PM

The Green Bay Packers will rest their starters. This means Jordan Love won’t play, instead Kyle McCord will play vs Cardinals. Love, who has been a bit injury prone in his career, must be taken care of and not risked in a meaningless game.

This means backup Tyrod Taylor won’t be playing either. Taylor is more than just a proven veteran, he is a premium backup. Hence, the Packers are trying to see if McCord is worth developing as a QB3.

Is Jacoby Brissett playing for Cardinals vs Packers?

Jacoby Brissett is not playing either, as it seems like a lock that he’ll be the QB1 once the regular season starts. Hence, it will be Gardner Minshew under center against the Packers.

Carson Beck is unlikely to play as he has an ongoing rib injury. The rookie was impressing throughout preseason and this injury has given him a huge momentum stall.

The LaFleur brothers face very different situation

Matt LaFleur has done great with the Packers but he’s also been criticized a bit due to his lack of creativity when playcalling and the fact that he has not been able to win it all with the Packers. Therefore, pressure is on him.

Meanwhile, Mike LaFleur is a first year head coach with a franchise that is not expected to shine at all. He must change the culture and the ways of the Cardinals to turn it all around.