Arizona Cardinals rookie running back Jeremiyah Love is headed to injured reserve with a high ankle sprain, a setback that will sideline the third overall draft pick for four to five weeks, as ESPN reported.
Target Tyler Allgeier on Waiver Wire
- Backfield Opportunity: Tyler Allgeier assumes primary running back duties following his 191-yard, two-touchdown performance against the Dallas Cowboys.
- Roster Adjustments: Bam Knight remains an option in the rotation once cleared from the league’s concussion protocol, though his role depends on recovery timelines.
- Waiver Wire Strategy: Fantasy managers should aggressively target Allgeier as an immediate high-volume starter while Love recovers on injured reserve.
Ankle Injuries Disrupt Rookie Campaign
Bad luck has defined the opening chapter of Love’s professional career. The former Notre Dame star sustained the high ankle sprain during the first half of Sunday’s overtime victory against the Dallas Cowboys, walking off the field and slamming his helmet to the ground before heading to the locker room. Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur clarified that this latest medical issue is entirely separate from the ankle injuries Love suffered during the preseason and early regular season. Across six appearances, Love has accumulated 268 rushing yards and one touchdown, averaging 3.5 yards per carry alongside 11 receptions.
Before the game in Dallas, Love expressed frustration regarding his inability to stay on the field and perform at full capacity. “Really the whole season, I haven’t been able to feel like myself,” Love told Darren Urban in Word From The Birds. “I haven’t felt like Jeremiyah Love that the people see. I couldn’t do what I wanted to do. You ain’t see me hurdle anybody, any spin move, none of that stuff.” Love also noted that he had not missed games since high school prior to this turbulent rookie campaign.
Sources: #AZCardinals RB Jeremiyah Love is headed to Injured Reserve because of a high-ankle sprain that knocks him out 4-5 weeks. Arizona’s first-round pick has previously been dealing with a different ankle sprain. pic.twitter.com/KpnyNK5Buo
Tyler Allgeier Leads Arizona Rushing Attack
With Love sidelined for at least a month, the Cardinals lean heavily on Tyler Allgeier, who leads Arizona with 323 rushing yards. Formerly the backup to Bijan Robinson in Atlanta, Allgeier showcased his capabilities by amassing 191 total yards from scrimmage against Dallas. Meanwhile, fellow running back Bam Knight is working through the league’s concussion protocol after previously turning 22 carries into 128 yards and catching five passes over a two-game span, according to RotoWire.
The offensive backfield adjustments coincide with mounting concerns along the offensive line. Arizona has already placed left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. and right guard Isaiah Adams on injured reserve. Backup right guard Jon Gaines II is sidelined with a knee problem, and center Hjalte Froholdt missed a recent practice due to a similar knee injury.
| Player | Position | 2026 Statistics | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeremiyah Love | Running Back | 268 Rushing Yards, 1 TD, 3.5 YPC | Injured Reserve (High Ankle Sprain) |
| Tyler Allgeier | Running Back | 323 Rushing Yards, 2 TDs | Active (Primary Backfield Role) |
| Bam Knight | Running Back | 128 Rushing Yards, 5.8 YPC | Concussion Protocol |
As the Cardinals manage these roster constraints during the middle stretch of the season, the focus shifts to how well the depleted offensive line can establish a running identity under LaFleur.
Disclaimer: The fantasy and market insights provided are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute financial or betting advice.
Jeremiyah Love was hurt on this play pic.twitter.com/WqEfcyrsof
More on Jeremiyah Love
Cardinals place RB Jeremiyah Love on injured reserve. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/EuquNN4jXU
