Cardinals’ Top Rookie RB Jeremiyah Love Faces 50/50 Week 1 Outlook

Arizona’s No. 3 overall pick, running back Jeremiyah Love, remains a “about 50/50” proposition for the season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers. The assessment comes from Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, who said the rookie’s ankle sprain leaves his availability uncertain. Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur has not confirmed a roster spot for Love, noting the team’s first injury report will be issued before the game.

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Love suffered a high-ankle sprain in the Cardinals’ preseason opener earlier this month and missed the final two preseason contests. In his sole preseason appearance, he logged 11 carries for 58 yards and three receptions for 14 yards. Drafted third overall in April, he is the highest-drafted running back since Saquon Barkley in 2018. The injury did not require surgery, a factor the team highlighted as a positive sign for his recovery timeline.

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Mike Garafolo reported the 50/50 outlook, adding that “nobody really knows right now” and the team will evaluate Love’s progress over the next week. LaFleur, when asked about the rookie’s status, said he is “confident that he’s progressing really well” and described Love taking incremental steps in practice. Cardinals insider Theo Mackie interpreted the team’s decision to keep the running-back roster at three players—Love, Tyler Allgeier, and Bam Knight—as an implicit vote of confidence in Love’s imminent return.

Heavy

• Draft position: 3rd overall, highest-drafted RB since 2018.

Jeremiyah Love "About 50/50" For Week 1

• Preseason production: 14 touches (11 rushes, 3 receptions) for 58 rushing yards and 14 receiving yards.

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• Roster composition after final cuts: three running backs, indicating limited depth and a need for Love’s contribution.

Heavy

The Cardinals will release their official injury report before the Chargers matchup, at which point Love’s status will be confirmed. Monitoring his practice participation in the coming days will be essential for fantasy owners and fans alike.

Jeremiyah Love "About 50/50" For Week 1

• “Confident that he's progressing really well,” — Mike LaFleur, head coach

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