The Arizona Cardinals are heading into Week 1 with Jeremiyah Love still at the center of the conversation, but the early signs are encouraging.
Love, the third overall pick, suffered a reported high ankle sprain in preseason action against the Las Vegas Raiders and has not practiced or played in a preseason game since. He missed the Cardinals’ final two preseason games, leaving his status for the opener against the Los Angeles Chargers in some doubt.
Still, head coach Mike LaFleur sounded upbeat when asked about where things stand.
"Progressing. He was out there moving around today. So we'll see on Wednesday, I'll have a better idea for all those guys that I know you guys are going to ask about on Wednesday," LaFleur told reporters.
Pressed further on whether he felt good about Love playing, LaFleur didn’t hesitate.
"Yeah, I feel good."
Love’s injury came on his final of 14 touches against the Raiders, after he flashed a few highlight plays before leaving the game. Arizona initially viewed the injury as minor, but concern grew in the days that followed.
Even in that brief preseason glimpse, Love showed why the Cardinals are so intrigued by him. His ability as both a runner and a receiver gives the offense another layer, and the burst he showed in Las Vegas backed up the hype from camp. The traits that made him a Heisman finalist at Notre Dame - instincts, balance, speed and power - appeared to carry over to the NFL level.
Arizona is set to release its first injury report for the week on Wednesday, and Love will likely show up as either a non-participant or limited because of the ankle. Given the Cardinals’ cautious approach with injuries, a game-time decision in Los Angeles would not come as a surprise.
If Love is fully healthy, he could become a major piece of the Cardinals’ offense for 2026 and beyond.
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