The Arizona Cardinals finally put a finger on why Jeremiyah Love hasn’t been much of a factor as a receiver, and the answer traces back to the ankle injury he’s been playing through.
Love arrived with the reputation of a true three-down back, the kind of runner who could handle work on all downs and contribute in the passing game. But through five games, that part of his profile hasn’t shown up. The No. 3 overall pick has averaged fewer than three targets per game and has only 36 receiving yards so far.
On Friday, Oct. 16, head coach Mike LaFleur explained that the ankle issue has been the main obstacle. As Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com relayed: “LaFleur acknowledged big reason Jeremiyah Love hasn’t been big part of passing game has been ankle and inability to run routes. Love will be used more as receiver when he can make cuts/run routes.”
That matters even more now that Marvin Harrison Jr. has been traded, leaving Arizona with one fewer option in the passing attack.
The ankle also pushed the Cardinals into a bigger decision for Week 6. Love is out against the Los Angeles Rams after he didn’t practice at all during the week. LaFleur made it clear the issue is tied to the way Love changes direction.
“You guys see the way he cuts, like just being candid, he cuts hard,” LaFleur explained. “That’s a superpower of his.
And when he’s putting his left foot in the ground, it’s just not right right now. To get him to be to his best ability, (sitting him) is what’s right so he can go out and perform the way that he wants.”
The production has reflected the limitations. Love has rushed for 245 yards and one touchdown, averaging 3.7 yards per carry. Poor blocking up front has been part of that, but he also hasn’t been close to full strength.
Instead of trying to grind through it again, Love will get a full week to recover.
In his place, Tyler Allgeier will start for Arizona, with Bam Knight handling the backup role. The matchup is at least there for the Cardinals on the ground, since the Rams are allowing 128.4 rushing yards per game, which ranks seventh-worst in the NFL.
That gives Allgeier a case as a fantasy option because of both workload and opponent, though game script could still complicate things if the Rams get out front and force Arizona away from the run.
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