Larry Fitzgerald inactive vs. Falcons

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald is officially inactive against the Atlanta Falcons. Fitzgerald was listed as questionable with a knee injury coming into Sunday, and by all accounts was a true game-time decision. All reports suggested he wasn't at 100 percent but was making a push to play.

This is Fitzgerald's second missed game with a sprained MCL, which he suffered in Week 11 against the Detroit Lions. He missed the following game against the Seattle Seahawks, a loss in which the Cardinals struggled to move the ball. That may not be an issue on Sunday against the Falcons, who allow a league-worst 284.1 passing yards per game. Fitzgerald could have been in line for a big game if he were playing. That said, most figure that the veteran wide receiver would have been limited if he were active.

Arizona is currently 9-2 and in first place in the NFC West, though the Seahawks aren't far behind. The Cardinals can't afford to lose any games if they hope to maintain their lead and playoff seeding, but the Falcons aren't exactly a great team. They're also fighting for playoff positioning, but at 4-7, the Cardinals should be favored to take this one, with or without Fitzgerald. The prolific receiver should be expected back in time for Week 14 against the Kansas City Chiefs.