Despite the initial depth chart designation and a questionable injury tag from an ankle issue, Love is expected to play.
The Arizona Cardinals released their first depth chart of the season on Sept. 8, 2026, 7:24 p.m. The document confirmed that rookie Jeremiyah Love, selected third overall in the 2026 NFL draft, opens his professional career behind veteran Tyler Allgeier.
Backfield Rotation and the Tyler Allgeier Assignment
Allgeier secured the starting role after signing a two-year deal in free agency during the offseason. Throughout training camp, Allgeier ran with the offensive starters and generally was the No. 1 running back in training camp. That deployment matches how the coaching staff handled the position during summer practices, though Allgeier was signed in free agency to offer some veteran support.
Yet the team’s first depth chart does not signal a quiet opening week for the high-profile rookie. Love enters the NFL with a ton of hype after an impressive college career that led to his being a top-five pick in the 2026 draft. Analysts note that the Cardinals didn’t draft Love with the No. 3 overall pick to take a backseat to Tyler Allgeier, nor did fantasy owners take Love in the second round of drafts to have him sitting on the bench. According to ESPN’s Josh Weinfuss, expectations remain high that Love will serve as the lead back once he is fully integrated into the game plan, and a source told Josh Weinfuss that the expectation is that Jeremiyah Love will play Sunday against the Chargers.
Ankle Injury Status and Week 1 Outlook
Love enters Sunday’s matchup carrying a questionable designation as he is recovering from a high ankle sprain and his status for Week 1 is a little uncertain. He logged three limited practices during the week leading up to the game. Head coach Mike LaFleur expressed optimism regarding his availability, and reporting confirmed that the rookie is expected to play barring a setback, though his role might be limited as he continues to work his way back from injury and works his way to 100%.
As we prepare for our first Sunday of football, the team should have running backs Jeremiyah Love and Tyler Allgeier and wideout Michael Wilson in the lineup. Starting the season technically as the backup while he works his way to 100% is a good plan, and if Love is active, he should be in lineups, expecting closer to RB3 numbers with upside for much more.
Special Teams Shifts and Supporting Roster Adjustments
Beyond the offensive backfield, the initial depth chart contained a second surprise on the depth chart. Love is listed as the third kick returner behind Devin Duvernay and cornerback Max Melton. Observers note that as we have learned in past seasons, the guys listed as kick returners aren’t always the guys who do it, noting that running back Bam Knight and receiver Jalen Brooks both returned kicks at different points last season.
Elsewhere on the offense, wide receiver Michael Wilson draws attention entering the season opener after a successful 2025 campaign that led to him getting a contract extension during the offseason. Wilson was a fantasy darling last season, with the former third-round pick finally breaking out from Week 11 through Week 18, when he ranked as WR2 overall, according to Fantasy Pros. Wilson’s ascension began after Jacoby Brissett took over under center and Marvin Harrison Jr. went down with an injury. Brissett will be the team’s starter to begin this season. The Los Angeles Chargers do present a tough matchup, but with the Cardinals likely to be chasing points thanks to their putrid defense, Wilson can still eat, and analysts suggest deploying the veteran wideout in Week 1.
Worth a look
