The latest Jeremiyah Love injury update gives the Arizona Cardinals a strong reason to expect their rookie running back to make his NFL debut Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that it “looks like” Love will play in Week 1, while ESPN’s Josh Weinfuss later reported that the expectation is for Love to play Sunday. Love remained limited Friday and is still waiting for the Cardinals to make the final call, according to the team’s latest injury update.
Love returned to practice this week after missing nearly a month with a high-ankle sprain suffered during the preseason. Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur has expressed confidence in the rookie’s progress, and his practice comments suggest Arizona is comfortable with his recovery. Three consecutive limited sessions provided another positive sign, though they don’t guarantee a full workload Sunday. The biggest issue now is how much work Arizona should give Love in his first NFL game.
Love’s return to practice provides the clearest indication yet that the ankle injury will not keep him out of Week 1. The number-three overall pick had not practiced or played since suffering the injury against the Las Vegas Raiders on Aug. 13.
Love made an immediate impression in the preseason before getting hurt, recording 58 rushing yards on 11 carries and 14 receiving yards on three catches. The rookie averaged 5.3 yards per carry while showing the explosiveness that made him such a highly regarded prospect.
The rookie’s preseason stats also show what Arizona is getting back. Love’s 14 touches produced 72 total yards against Las Vegas before the ankle injury ended his preseason. The injury itself remains the reason for caution. Love suffered a high-ankle sprain, an injury that can affect a running back’s ability to accelerate, cut, and absorb contact even after the player is cleared to return.
Arizona’s latest practice reports therefore matter more than simply seeing Love back on the field. Three straight limited sessions show progress while indicating that the Cardinals are still managing his return.
LaFleur has consistently provided encouraging updates on Love as the rookie works toward his NFL debut. The Cardinals coach previously said there was “no limit” on Love’s activity from the team’s perspective, a sign suggesting Arizona was comfortable increasing his workload as his ankle improved.
LaFleur’s practice comments helped build optimism around Love before Schefter reported that the rookie is expected to play.
The latest injury report adds an important qualification to that optimism. Love remains limited, meaning the Cardinals still have to determine how his ankle responds before deciding exactly how much he can handle Sunday.
Schefter’s report that Love is expected to play is the most encouraging development this week. The report gives fantasy managers and Cardinals fans a strong indication that the rookie should be available against the Chargers. It is not the same as an official game clearance from Arizona.
Arizona’s depth chart also provides an important clue about how the backfield could operate. Tyler Allgeier is listed ahead of Love, giving the veteran a clear path to early work even if Love is active Sunday. The unofficial depth chart placed Allgeier ahead of Love, although that does not necessarily mean the rookie will have a minor role or no role at all.
Pass protection could become the most important factor in determining Love’s workload. A running back returning from a high-ankle sprain must demonstrate more than the ability to run in a straight line. Blocking assignments require sudden changes of direction, balance, and the ability to absorb contact from defenders.
Arizona can give Love meaningful touches without immediately treating him like a 20-carry workhorse. A measured workload would allow the Cardinals to use his explosiveness while limiting unnecessary stress in his first regular-season game.
Love’s expected availability makes him an intriguing Week 1 fantasy option, but the matchup should be viewed alongside his recent injury and Allgeier’s position on the depth chart. A healthy workload would give Love substantial upside, while limited touches could make his fantasy production harder to project.
Fantasy managers should therefore view Love as a player with considerable upside but some uncertainty. Explosive running ability and receiving opportunities could allow the rookie to outperform a modest workload if his ankle responds well once the game begins.
The Cardinals should let Jeremiyah Love play if the medical staff believes he is ready, but playing is not the same as being ready for a full workload. Arizona has no reason to force 20-plus touches onto a rookie returning from a high-ankle sprain in his first NFL game.
Allgeier gives the Cardinals a capable alternative, allowing Love to contribute without carrying the entire backfield. The smarter decision is to judge the workload separately from the availability and increase Love’s role only if the ankle handles real NFL contact.
A healthy Love could eventually become one of Arizona’s most important offensive players. Week 1 should be about getting him onto the field, seeing how the ankle responds and building toward the larger role the Cardinals drafted him to handle.
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