Arizona Cardinals rookie running back Jeremiyah Love has been ruled out for Sunday’s Week 6 game against the Los Angeles Rams. The No. 3 overall draft pick is sidelined by a lingering left ankle injury that has hampered his explosiveness and limited his practice participation throughout the week.
Jeremiyah Love Ruled Out for Week 6
The Arizona Cardinals confirmed that Jeremiyah Love will not play in the upcoming divisional matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Head coach Mike LaFleur announced the decision Friday after the rookie running back missed consecutive practices on Wednesday and Thursday. This will be the first career game that the rookie is inactive after taking “questionable” tags into multiple previous contests.
#Cardinals rookie RB Jeremiyah Love (ankle) is OUT for Sunday vs. the Rams.
While the team is exercising caution, LaFleur noted there is no discussion of placing Love on injured reserve. The organization intends to use the time to ensure the ankle injury, which has persisted since the start of the regular season, does not become a long-term issue. LaFleur stated, As much as he wants to battle through, we’re all in agreeance right now as just give him a little bit of rest and see as the week goes on what that will entail for Sunday.
Lingering Left Ankle Injury Impact
The current injury involves his left ankle, which is distinct from the right ankle sprain Love suffered during the preseason. According to LaFleur, the preseason injury has fully healed, but the new issue has lingered for several weeks, directly affecting his ability to cut and accelerate. LaFleur explained, He had the right (ankle) early and now (he’s) got the left one, so now you’re just kind of double dipping. The right (ankle he injured during preseason) is fine, it’s the other one right now that’s the lingering issue.
Love has been candid about the physical toll of his first NFL season. He told reporters that managing the workload and the injury has made this feel like the “longest year” of his career, admitting he is “tired” amid the recovery process. LaFleur, who praised the rookie’s toughness, noted that it is difficult to determine the exact prognosis for an ankle injury.
Cardinals Backfield Adjustments
With Love out, the Cardinals are expected to lean on veteran Tyler Allgeier to lead the backfield. Allgeier has already shared significant volume with Love this season; in their Week 4 loss to the New York Giants, Allgeier saw 36 snaps compared to Love’s 30. Bam Knight is also available to rotate into the offensive scheme, and the team may look at a practice squad call-up to ensure they have three running backs active for the contest.
The team’s offensive strategy will be tested against a Rams defensive line that possesses a stout front. This makes the game script crucial for Arizona, which is currently navigating a 1-4 start to the season.
Season Outlook and Performance
Love’s recent production has been a point of concern for the team. This followed a season where he has struggled to find consistent explosiveness, totaling 281 yards combined rushing and receiving through five games.
Despite the current setback, the team remains focused on the long-term development of their first-round pick. Although Love is only 21 years old, the franchise is showing an abundance of caution to protect his long-term health. We want to get this ankle right,
LaFleur said, emphasizing that the coaching staff will continue to monitor Love’s recovery on a day-to-day basis as they navigate the remainder of the 2026 season.