Jeremiyah Love Suffers High Ankle Sprain After 72-Yard Output vs. Raiders

Arizona Cardinals rookie Jeremiyah Love is unlikely to play the rest of the preseason after suffering a high ankle sprain during a 23-snap performance against Las Vegas.

Arizona Cardinals rookie running back Jeremiyah Love is dealing with a high ankle sprain following a Thursday night matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. During that contest, Love logged 23 snaps and produced 58 rushing yards on 11 carries, while adding 14 receiving yards on three catches. Sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Sunday that the rookie is unlikely to participate in the remainder of the preseason. The injury occurred on the final play of the game when Love was rolled up on, ending a performance where his confidence had surged following the third offensive drive.

Head coach Mike LaFleur initially declined to specify the severity of the ailment during a Sunday press conference in Tempe, Arizona, stating only that it was an ankle issue. However, internal expectations are that Love could return for the Week 1 regular-season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers. On Saturday, the coaching staff indicated that the running back would be sidelined for the current week of practice with a reevaluation scheduled for the following week. LaFleur noted that the heavy workload for the rookie was intentional, as the team sought to evaluate him through a specific number of preseason games.

Carson Beck Recovery Status

In addition to the backfield injury, rookie quarterback Carson Beck is currently considered day-to-day. Beck is recovering from rib soreness sustained during the Hall of Fame Game last week. The injury occurred during the first quarter of that contest on a 4-yard rushing attempt. LaFleur described the situation as one involving persistent discomfort, leading the team to prioritize further healing rather than an immediate return to the field. The coach clarified that the quarterback's condition is not expected to be a long-term issue, though transparency regarding his current physical state remains a priority for the staff.

Evaluation of Rookie Progress

Despite the injury setback, LaFleur praised Love as a quick learner who demonstrated significant growth during his time on the field Thursday. The coach observed that Love became more grounded as the game progressed, which allowed the player to establish a functional rhythm. The Cardinals' coaching staff had specifically designed the preseason rotation to provide these rookies with enough snaps to build a foundation before the regular season begins. This strategy aimed to prepare players who had not yet seen NFL action for the transition to professional competition.

Roster Health and Week 1 Outlook

The Cardinals are now managing the health of two key offensive rookies as they look toward the trip to Los Angeles. While Love’s preseason is likely over, the focus remains on his availability for the start of the regular season. The team continues to monitor the recovery of both the running back and Beck, ensuring that neither player returns prematurely. LaFleur’s comments on Sunday emphasized that the team will wait until Beck is fully ready to go before reinserting him into the lineup, acknowledging that the discomfort from the rib injury has not yet fully dissipated.