Arizona Cardinals rookie running back Jeremiyah Love is progressing well from a high ankle sprain and is working toward a potential Week 1 return against the Los Angeles Chargers, while simultaneously preparing to face former Notre Dame teammate and Seattle Seahawks rookie Jadarian Price.
The Arizona Cardinals are navigating a high-stakes roster adjustment as the regular season approaches, headlined by the recovery status of their top draft pick and an impending divisional reunion. Head coach Mike LaFleur expressed optimism regarding the rookie’s health during a recent update following roster cutdowns.
Jeremiyah Love Progresses Toward Week 1 Recovery After Preseason Injury
Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love has spent the last two weeks sidelined from team practices, limited to individual rehabilitation work after suffering a high ankle sprain during a preseason victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, according to reporting from Heavy Sports. Despite the typical four-to-six-week recovery timeline for high ankle sprains pointing toward a tight window for opening day, the coaching staff remains encouraged.
I’m confident that he’s progressing well,
Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur told reporters, noting that the rookie has taken consistent daily steps forward in his rehabilitation. He’s taking another step, took another step yesterday, he’ll take another step today.
The team demonstrated tangible confidence in his availability by carrying only three running backs on its initial 53-man roster. Alongside Love, the active backfield includes Tyler Allgeier and Bam Knight. Meanwhile, veteran running back James Conner was placed on injured reserve to allow additional time for recovery following foot surgery. LaFleur noted that Conner was close to avoiding the designation, but the organization agreed the IR stint serves the veteran’s long-term health best, making Conner first eligible to return ahead of a Week 5 matchup against the Detroit Lions. To bolster depth in the interim, Evan Hull successfully cleared waivers and joined the practice squad as a potential elevation option for Week 1.
Contract Scrutiny Follows Draft Selection and Guaranteed Deal
Because first-round draft slots carry predetermined rookie salary scales, Love is locked into a fully guaranteed $53.02 million contract over four years.
That financial commitment has drawn critical external assessment. Analysts point out that Love’s guaranteed figure surpasses the rookie deals signed by elite running back counterparts such as Bijan Robinson at Bijan Robinson’s smaller guarantee and Jahmyr Gibbs at $51.47 million. While Love led college football during his final two seasons at Notre Dame with 35 rushing touchdowns and 40 total scrimmage scores, the substantial financial baseline places unique expectations on his professional debut.
Notre Dame Teammates Prepare for a Division Rivalry Clash
Before arriving as first-round picks for NFC West rivals, Love and Seattle Seahawks running back Jadarian Price shared a backfield for three years at Notre Dame.
They’ve been asking me stuff like, What are some of his weaknesses? Stuff like that,
Love said. J doesn’t have many weaknesses. If you can get him you got to get him. Once he gets the ball, he gets rolling. It’s hard to stop him. He’s real fast.
Price is similarly looking forward to the professional reunion following a strong performance in his debut, which featured a 13-yard rush on his very first carry and a dramatic win. Reflecting on their shared collegiate history, where the two engaged in friendly touchdown competitions while pushing each other for snaps, Price noted that the upcoming meeting carries special significance.
“I’m excited to go against Jeremiyah this upcoming weekend.”
Jadarian Price, Seattle Seahawks running back, via seahawks.com
Both players have discussed arranging a postgame jersey swap to commemorate the transition from college teammates to professional adversaries, though Love emphasized that any personal camaraderie is temporarily paused once game preparations begin.
This is the place where I’m at, these are the people I’m with right now, that I’ve been building bonds with,
Love said. Me and JD have a bond off the field. Not on the field because we’re playing against each other. I would take my team over JD because it’s my team.
