Arizona Cardinals rookie running back Jeremiyah Love is averaging 3.7 yards per carry with a rushing total of 245 yards with one rushing touchdown through his first five NFL games, along with 11 catches for 36 yards, and a receiving score.
Now, an ankle injury is threatening to keep the 21-year-old Notre Dame product and No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft off the field for a second straight week.
Love sat out of Arizona’s Week 6 game against the Los Angeles Rams after missing practice throughout the week. Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur said the ankle has also limited Love’s involvement in the passing game.
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Bam Knight and Tyler Allgeier handled the backfield in his absence. Knight ran 15 times for 80 yards, while Allgeier carried 18 times for 38 yards.
Love’s production slipped before the injury forced him out. He managed 22 rushing yards on 12 carries in a 45-21 loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 5.
The Cardinals are now expected to be without Love again this week against the Denver Broncos, according to Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports. Love is expected to miss a second straight game, Zenitz reported.
Love was not expected to land on injured reserve ahead of the Rams game, but the Cardinals said they would reevaluate his condition after that contest and another absence would leave the team weighing how cautious to be with a top-three pick.
If Love sits out again this week, Allgeier and Knight will likely carry the load for a team that entered Week 6 with a 1-4 record.
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