Cardinals rookie Jeremiyah Love, the No. 3 overall pick, suffered a high ankle sprain during his preseason debut. His injury occurred on his final touch of the game, and he is unlikely to play again this preseason, with hopes of returning for the Week 1 contest against the Chargers on September 13. Head coach Mike LaFleur noted that Love might have been able to return initially, but he confirmed he would not practice this week and could miss the upcoming game against the Cowboys. Love had an impressive outing prior to his injury, showcasing his potential as a key player for Arizona.

By the Numbers
  • Love recorded 72 yards from scrimmage on 14 touches before his injury.
  • He had 23 offensive snaps, the second-most of any first-round rookie skill position player this preseason.
Yes, But

Despite his strong performance, there are concerns about the team's depth at running back with multiple injuries affecting other players, including veteran James Conner and rookie Trey Benson, potentially complicating recovery plans and roster dynamics.

State of Play
  • Love's injury increases pressure on Tyler Allgeier to step up as the primary offensive back.
  • The Cardinals have a crowded running back room with several players dealing with injuries, leading to uncertainties in their roster strategy.
What's Next

The Cardinals will evaluate Love's recovery closely, determining his availability not only for preseason games but also for the crucial season opener. The team's decision on roster cuts may also hinge on how the running back situation unfolds without Love.

Bottom Line

Love's injury is a setback for the Cardinals, emphasizing the need for robust depth in their roster while complicating their approach to the start of the season. Effective handling of this situation will be critical for the team's success and player development.