The Cardinals lost their rookie running back this week to injury and most likely their entire projected backfield picture in the process
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
No. 3 overall pick Jeremiyah Love has been diagnosed with a high ankle sprain and is likely to miss the remainder of the preseason, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter
But Love’s name isn’t the only one missing from 11-on-11 work. Veteran James Conner has yet to participate in full team drills while recovering from a right foot injury.
Allgeier’s time
That double absence has put Tyler Allgeier into the starting role by default, with Bam Knight and Corey Kiner rotating behind him.
It’s not the way any team wants to find out what their RB2 is capable of, but with real reps up for grabs before Week 1, Allgeier has a stretch of preseason football to make a case for a bigger role in the regular season rotation.
Eyes on the Charge
Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur has not ruled out Love for the opener, and the plan is for him to be ready when Arizona visits the Chargers in Week 1.
But Conner’s timeline is still unsure. Allgeier’s snaps will continue to tell us more about this backfield than any depth chart on paper until both are on the field together.
