Full Breakdown
Jeremiah Love’s Ankle Injury Puts Arizona Cardinals’ Rookie Running Back on Hold
8/16/2026, 12:04:05 AM
The Injury and Immediate Impact
Arizona Cardinals rookie running back Jeremiyah Love, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, suffered an ankle injury during his preseason debut against the Las Vegas Raiders. After 11 carries for 58 yards and three receptions for 14 yards, Love left the game in the second half.
Official Statements & Responses
Head coach Mike LaFleur addressed the situation in a press conference on August 15. He emphasized that the primary focus was the day’s practice block and that the team would reassess Love’s status after the week’s work. LaFleur declined to project Love’s availability for the regular-season opener, noting that the decision would be made later in the preseason schedule.
Data & Statistics
- Touches in debut: 14 (11 rushes, 3 receptions)
- Rushing yards: 58 (5.3 yards per carry)
- Receiving yards: 14
- Snap count: 24 (including 14 offensive snaps before exiting)
- Depth chart options: Tyler Allgeier (primary backup), James Conner (returning from a prior foot injury), Bam Knight, Trey Benson (knee issue), and Evan Hull.
Depth Chart and Upcoming Schedule
With Love unavailable for the Cowboys game, the Cardinals are expected to rely on Allgeier as the lead back for that matchup. The team’s preseason concludes with a game against the Green Bay Packers, after which the regular season begins with a Week 1 home contest versus the Los Angeles Chargers. LaFleur indicated that the coaching staff values preseason reps for running backs, especially for a rookie transitioning to NFL speed, but he also stressed caution given Love’s draft capital and the “premium” placed on his role.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the projected length of Love’s absence. (a claim attributed to LaFleur in one report). No definitive timeline has been provided, and the Cardinals have not confirmed whether Love will be cleared for the regular-season opener.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He was in great spirits, even Friday,” — Mike LaFleur, head coach
- “Honestly, all the focus is on August 15th, Saturday. Here we are in our Tempe block (of practice). We'll kind of reevaluate going into next week. But he will be out this week.” — Mike LaFleur, head coach
- “We’ll keep him out this week, as we let it heal,” — Mike LaFleur, head coach
- “Well, if you have a back that can run routes out of the backfield, you typically have favorable matchups,” — Mike LaFleur, head coach