Cardinals To Place RB Jeremiyah Love On IR

Love, 21, previously suffered a different high-ankle sprain in the preseason that sidelined him for Week 1. It has continued to hinder him over the first two months of the regular season. The No. 3 pick has averaged just 44.7 rushing yards per game and 3.5 per carry with one touchdown while struggling to contribute through the air due to his injury. In Week 8, he managed just 23 yards on nine carries across 15 snaps before leaving the game.

The Cardinals turned to Tyler Allgeier after Love went down, and the fifth-year running back responded with the best performance of his career. He racked up 191 total yards on just 16 touches with one touchdown on the ground and through the air, which proved crucial in Arizona’s overtime win. Zonovan Knight had a quiet game, but entered the contest averaging 6.4 yards per carry and should be in line for an increase in work moving forward.

Love’s injury continues a disappointing rookie campaign after his dazzling career at Notre Dame. This was always the risk with drafting a running back with a top-three pick, especially for a rebuilding team with so many other needs at premium positions. Arizona’s decision to let their prized young running back play through his first sprain may also be questioned.

Love will not be eligible to come off IR until Week 13, but the Cardinals will likely wait until after their Week 14 bye to return him to the field. Staying healthy for the rest of the season will be a top priority with the hopes of setting up a more sophomore campaign after another offseason of rebuilding.