Cardinals Rookie Jeremiyah Love Sidelined With Ankle Injury
Arizona Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love, the No. 3 overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, will miss at least one week of training camp following an ankle injury sustained during Thursday’s preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Head coach Mike LaFleur confirmed the timeline on Saturday, citing lingering soreness.
Evaluating the Impact on the Cardinals’ Backfield
The injury to Love disrupts the Cardinals’ early-season rotation as the team prepares for its second preseason contest against the Dallas Cowboys. While Love initially appeared unbothered following the game, his condition deteriorated by Friday, prompting the coaching staff to exercise caution. LaFleur noted that the team intends to monitor his progress through the upcoming practice block in Tempe before determining his availability for the regular season.
In the interim, the Cardinals are shifting their depth chart. Tyler Allgeier is slated to step into the starting role, supported by Bam Knight and Corey Kiner. The situation is complicated by the status of veteran running back James Conner, who remains sidelined from 11-on-11 drills while recovering from a right foot injury that kept him out of 14 games last season.
Offensive Line Depth Compromised by Rookie Injury
The team’s personnel concerns extend beyond the backfield. Second-round draft pick Chase Bisontis, who was competing for the starting right guard position, suffered a torn MCL in his left knee during the same preseason opener. LaFleur confirmed that Bisontis will be placed on injured reserve and will require surgery, potentially sidelining him for the remainder of the year.
“It sucks for him,” LaFleur said regarding the rookie’s injury. “Always think about the player first. Sucks for the Cardinals too. He’s a good player, but more importantly, you hate it for the player.”
Strategic Re-evaluation and Operational Risks
The Road to Recovery
As the Cardinals move through their Tempe training block, the focus remains on the rehabilitation of both Love and the wider roster. The team has not provided a definitive timeline for Love beyond the upcoming week, signaling a conservative approach to player health. The decision to hold Love out of the game against the Dallas Cowboys serves as a precautionary measure intended to prevent a minor issue from evolving into a chronic concern.
For the Cardinals, the remainder of the preseason serves as an audition for depth players like Knight and Kiner, who must now prove their capability to perform under increased pressure.