Jeremiyah Love’s week 1 status takes major turn before Chargers game

The Arizona Cardinals could have one of their most exciting young offensive weapons available sooner than expected.

Rookie running back Jeremiyah Love is making progress from the high-ankle sprain that sidelined him for most of the preseason, and head coach Mike LaFleur expressed optimism that the first-round pick could be ready for Sunday’s season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers.

“I feel good,” LaFleur said Monday when discussing Love’s chances of playing.

Love was able to move around during Arizona’s walkthrough Monday, another encouraging development in his recovery. The Cardinals will provide more clarity Wednesday when they release their first official injury report of the week.

Getting Love back would be significant for an Arizona offense preparing to unveil the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Love closing in on debut 

The former Notre Dame standout suffered the ankle injury during an Aug. 13 preseason matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. Love did not return to practice or game action for the remainder of the preseason and was seen in street clothes during an open practice last week.

Now, roughly four weeks after suffering the injury, Love appears to be moving closer to his NFL regular-season debut.

Arizona showed confidence in his recovery when constructing its initial 53-man roster. The Cardinals kept only three running backs — Love, Tyler Allgeier and Bam Knight. The organization also added Evan Hull to its practice squad, providing additional depth if Love is unable to go.

Even if Love receives clearance Sunday, Arizona could choose to manage his workload considering the nature of the injury and his limited practice time.

However, his availability would give LaFleur another dynamic option in the backfield.

Love arrived in Arizona with enormous expectations after being selected third overall following his standout career at Notre Dame. The Cardinals clearly view him as an important part of their offensive future.

His NFL debut was temporarily put on hold by an August injury.

Now, Love could be only days away from finally getting his opportunity.

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