Cardinals rookie RB Jeremiyah Love expected to be ready for Week 1 despite ankle injury
Coach Mike LaFleur said the rookie running back is progressing from a high-ankle sprain and is likely to be active for the season opener against the Chargers, though his workload may be limited.
Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur said the rookie running back Jeremiyah Love is making progress after a high-ankle sprain suffered in preseason and is expected to be active for the team’s Week 1 matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers. LaFleur noted that Love was listed as “limited” on Wednesday’s practice report, but described the designation as a formality and indicated the player was moving around in practice.
"Love took another step yesterday and he’ll take another step today," LaFleur told reporters, adding that the goal is for the rookie to be ready for the season opener.
The 21-year-old, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 draft, is projected to share early-season duties with fellow back Tyler Allgeier. Allgeier is expected to handle short-yardage and goal-line situations while Love could be used in “unique situations,” according to NFL Network analyst Ian Weinfuss.
The Cardinals will release an official injury report on Wednesday, which should clarify Love’s status before the weekend. If Love is limited or inactive, Allgeier could see an increased workload, especially as veteran James Conner remains on injured reserve.
Fantasy football managers are advised to monitor Love’s health, as his availability could affect his draft value and usage in the passing game.