Arizona Cardinals rookie running back Jeremiyah Love faced another setback after sustaining a new ankle injury during Sunday’s 33-30 overtime victory against the Dallas Cowboys.
Coach Comments and Injury History
Head coach Mike LaFleur expressed sympathy for the young player’s ongoing health struggles. “It just stinks for him,” LaFleur told reporters, highlighting Love’s dedication and team-first attitude. “He wants to be out there helping his teammates. This guy loves ball. He just wants to contribute. He’s such a team guy, such a coachable guy, he’s such a likable guy. He just wants to be out there helping his guys. For him, going through what he’s going through, it’s adversity for sure, but he’s gonna be stronger because of this.”
At 21 years old, Love has battled ankle problems throughout both the preseason and regular season. According to the team, this latest physical issue affects a different part of the ankle compared to his previous ailments.
Rookie Season Statistics and Expectations
The repeated physical setbacks have slowed down a highly anticipated debut campaign for the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft. Through six appearances, Love has recorded 268 rushing yards and one touchdown, alongside 11 receptions for 36 yards and an additional score.
Supporters and fantasy managers had anticipated the rookie taking on a dominant lead role in the Arizona backfield. Instead, he has shared duties in a committee with Tyler Allgeier, and the matchup against Dallas marked his return from a two-game absence caused by earlier ankle trouble.
Speaking to reporters last week, Love discussed how the physical issues hindered his performance on the field. “I am myself when I got my ankles,” Love said. “I feel like, as a running back or as a receiver, a lot of the moves that we do with our ankles and knees and stuff like that, I like to come to complete stops. It impacted me quite a bit. … I just want to go out there and be myself. I feel like the past few games, for really the whole season, I haven’t really been able to go out there and just feel like myself. I just feel like I just can’t go or I couldn’t go out there and just do what I wanted to.”
This fresh ankle concern creates an immediate roadblock in his recovery and pursuit of a fully healthy return.
