Cardinals rookie RB Jeremiyah Love's Week 1 status in doubt

Arizona Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Cardinals rookie RB Jeremiyah Love's Week 1 status in doubt

By Adam Gretz | Last updated Aug 16, 2026 8:44 PM ET

Arizona Cardinals rookie Jeremiyah Love is one of the running backs who should be expected to take on a huge role for their offense this season. But that plan could be getting off to a rocky start given an ankle injury that the No. 3 overall pick suffered in the team's second preseason game this past week.

The Cardinals have an update on what, exactly, Love is dealing with, and it could put his status for the team's regular season opener in some doubt.

Cardinals RB Jeremiyah Love dealing with high-ankle sprain

According to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter on Sunday evening, the Cardinals learned that Love is dealing with a high-ankle sprain that is likely to end his preseason.

While Schefter reports the Cardinals are hopeful that Love will be available for their Week 1 game against the Los Angeles Chargers, there should at least be some concern as to whether or not he will be.

Cardinals rookie running back Jeremiyah Love is dealing with a high ankle sprain, per sources. It makes it unlikely that Love plays again this preseason, with the team hoping he can return for the Sept. 13 regular-season opener vs the Chargers. pic.twitter.com/H0vb0R7x4k
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 17, 2026

High-ankle sprains can be tricky to come back from in short-order, and are the type of thing that can linger for a bit.

Would the Cardinals really want to rush such an important player (for both this season and the future) back before his ready for a Week 1 game?

As significant a role as Love is supposed to play, the Cardinals need to make sure he is fully healthy and ready to go at 100% effectiveness before rushing him back into the lineup.

Love had 14 touches in their game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday night, including 11 rushes for 58 yards. He also caught three passes for 14 yards.

He did not play in the team's preseason opener in the Hall of Fame Game two weeks ago.

Adam Gretz

Adam Gretz is a freelance writer based in Pittsburgh. He covers the NHL, NFL, MLB and NBA. Baseball is his favorite sport -- he is nearly halfway through his goal of seeing a game in every MLB ballpark. Catch him on X @AGretz

More must-reads: