Jeremiyah Love‘s rookie season hasn’t exactly gone the way the Arizona Cardinals wanted. Now, the NFC West team won’t have their 2026 first-round pick on Sunday, Oct. 18.
Week 6 features the Cardinals taking on the Los Angeles Rams in a surprising matchup of teams with losing records. However, the running back’s unavailability will be a big-time miss for Arizona as it goes up against a quality Rams defense.
Arizona ruled out Love for Sunday’s matchup due to an ankle injury, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The former Notre Dame star’s debut season continues to be hampered by injury setbacks, including a right ankle sprain during his first preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Head coach Mike LeFleur and the team certainly expected more from the No. 3 overall pick. Through five games, Love has totaled just 281 yards combined rushing and receiving.
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How much time will Jeremiyah Love miss?
Arizona Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love looks on from the sideline as they play the Seattle Seahawks. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
There isn’t an exact timeline for when Love will return to action. Arizona doesn’t have its bye until Week 14, so perhaps the team will take its time with their significant investment.
LeFleur and Co. are in a position where they likely will be cautious with Love to protect his long-term safety. The former Fighting Irish star didn’t practice this week, which suggests his ankle is still in rough shape.
Meanwhile, the Cardinals likely aren’t going anywhere this season, especially considering how difficult their division has proven to be. Last season, the Rams, San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks all reached the playoffs.
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Tyler Allgeier moves into RB1 spot
Arizona Cardinals running back Tyler Allgeier (22) celebrates scoring a touchdown with OL Hjalte Froholdt. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
This offseason, Tyler Allgeier joined the Cardinals after backing up Bijan Robinson in Atlanta for a few seasons. He has proven he can carry a solid workload in an NFL offense.
This may be his best chance to get consistent snaps with Love sidelined. In 2026, Allgeier has largely shared the backfield with Love, but neither player has really excelled.
Arizona’s offense is undergoing a change after wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.’s trade to the Houston Texans.
Meanwhile, the other looming offensive question for the Cardinals revolves around quarterback. Jacoby Brissett remains the starter, but Arizona selected Carson Beck in the 2026 NFL Draft. The team could look to shake things up in future weeks if their 1-4 start continues to get worse.
The Cardinals visit the Rams at 4:05 p.m. ET Sunday on Fox.
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