The Arizona Cardinals face the Detroit Lions in Week 5, and things are changing at the wide receiver position. Reports say that receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. will be inactive against the Lions, as the team intends on trading him.
That opens the door for other players.
With Harrison out of the lineup, the depth chart says that Jalen Brooks will move into the starting 'X' receiver role.
Brooks was a preseason standout and has gotten limited playing time on offense. He has logged 13 offensive snaps in four games and has been targeted once in the passing game, although he does not have a catch.
Harrison's imminent departure also potentially gives rookie Reggie Virgil an opportunity. The fifth-round pick out of Texas Tech has been inactive for all four
games this season. He will likely get his first NFL action, although it might not be much on offense.
Virgil is listed as the team's third-string 'Z' receiver behind Michael Wilson and Simi Fehoko.
Fehoko also should see more playing time. He has played 12 offensive snaps.
Now, does that mean that Brooks, Fehoko or Virgil will suddenly be big offensive producers? No.
After all, Harrison was targeted only 13 times in four games, catching five passes for 85 yards and a touchdown. His role was clearly an afterthought offensively.
We will see against the Lions how Harrison's absence is handled.
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This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Marvin Harrison trade opens door to other Cardinals receivers
