The Arizona Cardinals’ first-round draft pick, Jeremiyah Love, suffered a high ankle sprain during his preseason debut, raising concerns about his availability for the regular season. The Cardinals hope he can return in four weeks for the Week 1 matchup against the Chargers, though the injury typically requires three to five weeks of recovery.
Injury Details and Recovery Timeline
Love’s injury was confirmed by Adam Schefter of ESPN, with the Cardinals initially withholding specifics about whether it was a low or high ankle sprain. A high ankle sprain, which involves the ligaments connecting the tibia and fibula, generally takes longer to heal than a standard sprain. While the Cardinals aim for a four-week recovery, sources suggest the typical timeline for such an injury is three weeks, with some cases extending to five weeks.
The injury occurred on Love’s final touch of the game, a play that drew scrutiny from non-Cardinals media.
Team’s Response and Roster Adjustments
Fan and Media Reactions
With Love’s potential absence, the Cardinals may lean on Conner and Allegier, both of whom have experience in the league. However, the team’s decision to sign Stewart signals a proactive approach to maintaining competition in the backfield.
What Comes Next for Love and the Cardinals
The Cardinals’ next steps will depend on Love’s recovery progress. If he adheres to the four-week timeline, he could return in time for the Week 1 game, though the team may opt for a more conservative approach. In the interim, the focus will shift to the running backs competing for roster spots, with Stewart’s signing adding another layer of competition. The team has also emphasized the importance of maintaining a high level of play in the preseason, a goal that remains intact despite the injury.
For the team, the focus remains on ensuring that all players are ready for the regular season, with Love’s recovery a central factor in that equation.
