Arizona Cardinals rookie running back Jeremiyah Love is expected to play in his team’s season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers, despite managing a high-ankle sprain and limited practice participation earlier this week.
The Arizona Cardinals head into their Week 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers with a major decision settled regarding their backfield. No. 4 overall pick Jeremiyah Love is expected to be on the field, according to ESPN reporting featured in team coverage.
The first running back selected in the draft sustained a high-ankle sprain during Arizona’s preseason debut back on August 13 against the Las Vegas Raiders. That setback sidelined the former Notre Dame star and kept him limited in practice sessions on both Wednesday and Thursday. Even with those lingering questions about his physical condition, the organization has resolved his game-day status for Sunday.
Preseason Flash and the Road to Recovery
Before the ankle injury interrupted his summer, Love looked rather electric during his limited preseason action. He rushed 11 times for 58 yards and caught three passes for 14 yards before exiting his lone exhibition matchup.
While the Cardinals initially believed their rookie first-rounder had avoided any serious damage, he arrived at the facility the following morning feeling less than 100%. Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur addressed the situation when the injury first surfaced.
“He came in yesterday a little bit more sore than he left. He was in great spirits, even yesterday. … We’ll keep him out this week as we let it heal. So a little bit more than we were anticipating.”
Mike LaFleur, Cardinals coach
Backfield Split and Record-Breaking Rookie Contract
Tyler Allgeier is listed as the first-string option on the depth chart, leaving open questions about exact snap counts and usage rates for the rookie coming off an ankle sprain. Analysts note that even if Love suits up, he could find himself operating on a strict pitch count.
The high expectations surrounding Love stem from a dominant collegiate career. As the Doak Walker Award winner, he led the entire FBS in rushing touchdowns with 35 and total scrimmage touchdowns with 40 over his final two seasons. He also set a program record by accumulating 3,014 yards from scrimmage during that two-year window.
That production convinced Arizona front-office decision-makers to make a significant financial commitment. The franchise signed their rookie to a deal carrying $50.5 million in guaranteed money, establishing him as the highest-paid running back in the NFL by guaranteed salary.
Preparation and Sunday Expectations Against Los Angeles
Following limited participation on Wednesday and Thursday tracked by fantasy analysts, the rookie’s status gained further clarity ahead of the weekend. Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reported that Love is expected to play Sunday against the Chargers, though a clean practice session on Friday remains an important final hurdle for team and fantasy confidence.
While expectations for the Cardinals as a team remain modest for the season, Love enters the year as a leading candidate for Offensive Rookie of the Year. Whether he steps into a full workload immediately or shares early-down duties with Allgeier, his debut against Los Angeles will establish the first data point for Arizona’s redesigned offense.
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