As the Arizona Cardinals gear up for their preseason finale against the Green Bay Packers, the team is navigating a week of significant roster moves and injury updates. On Tuesday, August 25, 2026, the Cardinals announced that rookie running back Jeremiyah Love will miss all practice sessions this week as he continues his rehabilitation from a high ankle sprain sustained during the team's second preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Despite the setback, the team remains optimistic about his availability for the regular-season opener, though high ankle sprains are notoriously tricky and can linger longer than expected.
Love's Injury and Recovery Timeline
Love, who has been turning heads with his explosive running style during training camp, suffered the injury in the Cardinals' 24-21 preseason victory over the Raiders. The team's medical staff has been cautious with his recovery, and head coach Mike LaFleur emphasized the importance of not rushing the process. "Jeremiyah is a tough kid, but we're going to be smart about this. High ankle sprains are tricky, and we want him at 100 percent for Week One," LaFleur said in a press conference on Monday. The Cardinals have a bye in Week 5, which could provide additional cushion if Love's recovery requires more time.
Meanwhile, the Cardinals received a boost on the defensive side with the activation of edge rusher Josh Sweat from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. Sweat, who was acquired in a blockbuster trade with the Philadelphia Eagles during the offseason, has been recovering from a knee injury. His return to practice is a major positive for a defense that struggled to generate pressure in the preseason. In a corresponding move, the team waived running back Trey Benson, a third-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft who had fallen down the depth chart behind Love and veteran James Conner.
Joint Practice with Packers Adds Intrigue
The Cardinals will host the Packers for a joint practice on Wednesday before their preseason finale on Friday. The matchup carries a unique storyline: Packers head coach Matt LaFleur is the brother of Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur. While the family reunion adds a human-interest angle, the competitive stakes are high. The joint practice will be a key evaluation opportunity for both teams as they finalize their 53-man rosters. However, the Cardinals will be without several key starters, including both starting guards who missed Monday's practice due to minor injuries. Their status for the preseason finale remains uncertain, adding to the team's injury concerns as they prepare for the regular season.
Mike LaFleur addressed the team's recent practice performance, admitting that a sloppy week of preparation carried over into their preseason loss to the Dallas Cowboys. "We had a bad week of practice, and it showed on the field. That's on me, and we've corrected it this week," he said. The Cardinals are looking to build momentum heading into their season opener against the Seattle Seahawks on September 13.
Around the NFL: Notable Transactions and News
Elsewhere in the NFL, the New England Patriots traded wide receiver Kayshon Boutte to the Houston Texans in exchange for safety Jaylen Reed. The move addresses needs for both teams, as the Patriots bolster their secondary while the Texans add depth at wideout. In a stunning development, San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York was arrested on suspicion of engaging in prostitution, a story that has sent shockwaves through the league. Additionally, NFL analysts are expressing skepticism about the hype surrounding the 2027 quarterback draft class, with several scouts suggesting that the talent pool may not be as deep as initially projected.
As the Cardinals navigate a pivotal week, the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk will keep a close eye on Love's progress, Sweat's integration into the defense, and the team's final roster decisions. With the regular season just weeks away, every practice rep and preseason snap carries significant weight in Glendale.
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