GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals finally got a glimpse of what Jeremiyah Love could bring to their offense. Unfortunately, the glimpse may be all they get for a while, as his status for Week 1 is up in the air after his high ankle sprain.
Aug 13, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love (4) runs during a preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Brytus-Imagn Images
Will Jeremiyah Love suit up for the Cardinals in Week 1?
Love suffered a high ankle sprain during Arizona’s preseason opener against the Las Vegas Raiders after an impressive first half. The rookie finished with 58 rushing yards on 11 carries and added three receptions for 14 yards, showing the explosiveness and versatility that made him the No. 3 overall pick. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Love’s injury makes it unlikely he will play again during the preseason. More importantly, his status for Arizona’s Sept. 13 regular-season opener against the Chargers is uncertain, though the Cardinals are hopeful he can recover in time.
Arizona running back Jeremiyah Love (4) practices during training camp at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on July 26, 2026. Credits: Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
A preseason absence would be frustrating, but hardly disastrous. Missing the first week of the regular season would be a much different story. Love entered the season carrying enormous expectations after being a star at Notre Dame and becoming the highest-drafted running back in this year’s class. His first NFL action only amplified the excitement. He looked comfortable, explosive and capable of immediately becoming a significant piece of Arizona’s offense.
Arizona Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love (4) practices during training camp at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on July 26, 2026. Credit: Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Cardinals did not draft Love third overall to slowly introduce him in their offense. They envisioned him helping reshape it immediately. Still, there is reason for optimism. Arizona has not ruled Love out for the opener, and there are still several weeks before the Chargers arrive. For now, Cardinals fans have to hope the most important part of Love’s rookie season is simply delayed, not derailed.