Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur gave a clear read on where several key players stand as Week 1 approaches, and the biggest update centered on rookie running back Jeremiyah Love. LaFleur said Love is “progressing really well” from his high-ankle sprain and is moving toward playing in the opener.
LaFleur also offered a positive update on cornerback Garrett Williams, who is working back from an Achilles injury. Williams is “progressing well,” but LaFleur said his availability for the season opener will be decided during the week of practice leading into the game.
The Cardinals are already without James Conner after placing the running back on injured reserve because of a foot injury, and LaFleur explained the move was about giving him the time he needed. He said Conner wasn’t “far off” from the injured list, but the extra rest was the right call for everyone involved: “It just was in the best interest of the player and the organization to give him a little bit more time.
So again, I don’t overly ask him, you just know. And, again, he’s earned the right with all that.
So we just thought it was in the best interest, he thought it was in the best interest to get a little bit more time.”
LaFleur also said cornerback Will Johnson is “progressing well” from his lower body injury, and the team plans to “be smart with him” in practice this week.
Another small but notable adjustment has been on the defensive side with Denzel Burke, whom LaFleur said has been spending more time in the inside role over the last couple of weeks.
The Cardinals’ trade for tight end Hunter Long also came with a specific football reason. LaFleur pointed to Long’s blocking background in the wide zone and in duos as a factor in the decision to bring him in.
In Detroit, Lions general manager Brad Holmes did not offer a timetable for running back Isiah Pacheco’s return from a back injury. Holmes said, “He’s doing everything that he can to get back. …He’s steadily feeling better.”
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Steelers Cut Just Drew Immediate Interest From Another Team
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Arizonas cornerback room has been stretched a bit, with five players on the active roster and one starter currently injured. That made the workout worth watching, and Jamisons quick landing spot suggests the Cardinals were looking for someone who could help right away while adding another layer of insurance to a thin position group. [Read more 🡒]
Cardinals Face A Week 1 O-Line Question They Cant Ignore
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Mike LaFleur said Adams is progressing and doing well, but next weeks practice work will be the real test of whether he is ready to go. In the meantime, Jon Gaines has stepped in at right guard, and Arizonas options beyond him are limited because of other injuries, which makes this one of those early-season situations the Cardinals cannot afford to let drift too long. [Read more 🡒]
Cardinals Fans Will Love The Hype Around This Rookie Back But Theres A Catch
The buzz around the next Offensive Rookie of the Year race is already starting to build, and for Cardinals fans, the rookie back to keep an eye on is part of a bigger conversation about which young playmakers are set up to make an immediate splash. Jeremiyah Love has emerged as the betting favorite heading into the 2026 NFL season, and the hype is easy to understand given the kind of impact a dynamic rookie runner can have right away when the situation is right.
But theres a familiar catch with the favorite: talent alone does not always carry a rookie award chase, and concerns about his teams overall performance and offensive line are already part of the discussion. Jadarian Price is drawing attention as a more appealing value play because of a friendlier team setup, which is exactly the kind of context Cardinals fans should appreciate when weighing how much preseason buzz really translates once the games begin. [Read more 🡒]