Cardinals first official depth chart reveals bad news for Jeremiyah Love

The Arizona Cardinals are heading into the 2026 NFL season with a full understanding that it's a rebuilding year, so a poor record wouldn't be a huge surprise.

But with a strong supporting cast, it should be an exciting offense to watch. Trey McBride at tight end and wide receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson are fun. But at running back, there is a very interesting dynamic at play.

As Tyler Drake of AZSports shared on Twitter/x, the first official depth chart was announced for the Cardinals for Week 1 against the Los Angeles Chargers, and it features Jeremiyah Love in a spot many fans might not have anticipated him being in.

Jeremiyah Love receives bad news amid Cardinals' Week 1 depth chart

On the depth chart that Drake shared on social media, one of the most obvious talking points is that Love is not the first running back listed. That honor goes to Tyler Allgeier.

Instead of naming the first-round, No. 3 overall pick who's making the most guaranteed money of any running back in NFL history as the RB1, it's the free-agent pickup who was a backup for most of his NFL career with the Atlanta Falcons.

This is a bit of a surprise, as although Love was slotted into the RB2 role during the preseason and offseason, it's still unexpected to see such a highly drafted player at a position like running back not win the starting job.

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If he plays in Week 1, which is still a bit up in the air, Love should see plenty of work even though he's listed as the second running back on the depth chart.

But this placement should make one thing abundantly clear: the Cardinals are planning to utilize Allgeier in this offense, whether it's as the lead back or as part of a committee with Love.

This first depth chart for the Cardinals for their Week 1 matchup to kick off the 2026 season is not a good one for Love. He's not going to be the bell cow, at least not yet, for the 2026 Cardinals offense.

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