Arizona Cardinals rookie running back Jeremiyah Love appears on track to play Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers, even if his name isn’t at the top of the depth chart. Coach Mike LaFleur expressed optimism Monday, saying he feels good about Love’s chances after the first-round pick suffered a high ankle sprain in a preseason game.
Love went down against the Las Vegas Raiders on Aug. 13 and did not practice or play again during the preseason. He was in street clothes during the team’s last open practice last week, sparking some concern about his availability for the opener.
The Cardinals’ first unofficial depth chart for Week 1 lists Tyler Allgeier as the starting running back, with Love as the No. 2 option. That placement raised some eyebrows, given Love was selected third overall out of Notre Dame and is the highest-paid running back in NFL history in terms of guaranteed money.
But the coaching staff has made it clear the team intends to split the workload. “I do know this: not one running back can take all 65 snaps,” LaFleur told reporters during training camp. He emphasized the need to keep backs fresh over a 17-game season, a lesson learned from past overuse.
Arizona kept three running backs on its initial 53-man roster: Allgeier, Love and Bam Knight. The team also signed Evan Hull to its practice squad, adding depth to the position group.
Allgeier, who spent most of his career as a backup with the Atlanta Falcons, is now listed atop the depth chart. For a player of Love’s pedigree, that might seem like a surprise, but the coaching staff has been consistent about using a committee approach. Love is still expected to see significant touches when he returns to the field.
LaFleur noted earlier that Love is “progressing” and “moving around,” which aligns with the optimism about his Week 1 status. The first official injury report of the season was set for Wednesday, and all eyes will be on Love’s listing.
While being listed second may worry fantasy football owners, the reality is that both running backs are likely to be involved. The Cardinals’ offense could feature a healthy dose of both Allgeier and Love, making the depth chart more about roles than hierarchy.
