Arizona Cardinals Release Worrying Injury Update On Rookie RB Jeremiyah Love Ahead Of Week 1 — Not What Fans Want To Hear
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
The Arizona Cardinals have more questions than answers about rookie running back Jeremiyah Love ahead of Week 1.
Arizona picked Love at No. 3 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft after his tremendous career at Notre Dame. He played in only one preseason game, but he showed why the Cardinals made him such a high pick.
Now, an ankle injury has put his season debut in doubt. Love is still working his way back from a high ankle sprain, and the latest update doesn’t offer much clarity.
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported that Love has roughly a 50-50 chance to play in Week 1, leaving the Cardinals with plenty of uncertainty as they make their final preparations.
Jeremiyah Love Remains Questionable For Week 1
Garafolo shared the latest update on Love’s recovery.
“Jeremiyah Love, the Cardinals running back, is progressing in his return from a high ankle sprain,” Garafolo said. “Trending towards a Week 1 return? Maybe. I talked to a source yesterday who said, ‘I’ll put it at about 50-50.’ Nobody really knows right now.”
From @gmfb: The #Steelers and CB Joey Porter Jr. are facing a contract deadline as he manages his back injury, #AZCardinals RB Jeremiyah Love is working his way back, the #Cowboys waive QB Joe Milton and the #Ravens add competition for K Tyler Loop. pic.twitter.com/9QmBZgebxJ
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) September 1, 2026
That report gives Cardinals fans every reason to keep their expectations in check. While Love might make it back in time, his status is still very much up in the air.
Earlier updates hinted at a possible Week 1 return, but Garafolo’s report shows things are a bit more complicated. The team still needs to watch how his ankle holds up in practice as the season approaches.
Even if doctors clear Love to play, Arizona faces a tough call. Rushing their prized rookie onto the field before he’s truly 100% could easily backfire and lead to a bigger setback.
At the end of the day, the Cardinals have to keep the big picture in mind. Love is an important piece of their future offense, and risking his long-term health for just one game isn’t worth it.
Arizona will open its regular season against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sept. 13. That gives Love and the Cardinals more than a week to assess his progress.
