As the Arizona Cardinals gear up for their 2026 season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium, the spotlight falls on rookie running back Jeremiyah Love. The No. 3 overall pick from Notre Dame has been sidelined since suffering a high ankle sprain during a preseason matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. However, head coach Mike LaFleur offered a glimmer of hope on Monday, expressing optimism that Love could be ready for Sunday's showdown.
Love's injury occurred on a seemingly routine play near the goal line, when he was brought down awkwardly after a reception. Prior to the injury, he had impressed with 58 rushing yards on 11 carries in just 23 snaps. Since then, he has not practiced, but LaFleur noted that Love was "moving around" during Monday's walk-through, indicating positive progress. The team will not release its official injury report until Wednesday, leaving fans and fantasy owners in suspense.
A Promising Rookie with High Expectations
Selected with the third overall pick, Love enters the NFL with a stellar college resume. In his final season with the Fighting Irish, he amassed 1,372 rushing yards and 21 total touchdowns, finishing third in Heisman Trophy voting. His explosive playmaking ability has Cardinals fans dreaming of a bright future, but his immediate availability is crucial for a team that finished a disappointing 3-14 last season.
The Cardinals' backfield depth includes veterans Tyler Allgeier and Bam Knight, who would shoulder the load if Love is unable to go. Yet, the coaching staff is eager to integrate Love into the offense, especially against a Chargers defense that showed vulnerabilities in 2025. As the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk notes, Love's dual-threat capability could be a game-changer in Week 1.
"I feel good about his chances," LaFleur said via ESPN, reflecting the cautious optimism surrounding Love's recovery.
While the decision may come down to game-time, the Cardinals are taking a measured approach to ensure Love's long-term health. With 17 games ahead, rushing a prized rookie back too soon could prove costly. As reported by Vulius Sports, all signs point to Love returning sooner rather than later, but whether that's in Week 1 or Week 2 remains to be seen.
Explore official custom jersey collections crafted with premium stitched lettering and breathable athletic fabrics at Vulius.
