The buzz around the Cardinals just got a jolt of pure energy! Head Coach Mike LaFleur is feeling “good” about rookie running back Jeremiyah Love’s chances to hit the field for Week 1 after the kid was spotted moving around at practice on Monday. This is the update everyone’s been waiting for, signaling a huge shift from what we’ve seen since mid-August.
The Road Back From the Ankle Scare
Let’s be real, it’s been a tough stretch for the third overall pick. Love went down with a high-ankle sprain way back on August 13th during a preseason game against the Raiders, and he hasn’t practiced or played a snap since. That’s a gut punch for any team, especially when you’re counting on a rookie to make an immediate impact. But LaFleur’s comments are finally giving us some hope. He said Love is “progressing” and that it was awesome to see him “out there moving around today.” That’s not just coach-speak, that’s a direct observation that tells us the rehab is paying off. We’re all gonna be glued to that first official injury report coming out on Wednesday, because that’s when we’ll get the real lowdown on where Love stands in his recovery. LaFleur promised he’d have a much clearer picture for all the injured guys by then.
Why This Rookie Is So Crucial
The optimism isn’t just for any player, it’s for the third overall pick, a guy who was drafted to be a game-changer from day one. You don’t take a running back that high unless you expect him to be a foundational piece, and Love showed exactly why in his limited preseason action. In the first half of the only preseason game he played before the injury, he racked up an impressive 14 touches for 73 yards. Think about that: 14 touches in *one half* from a rookie. That’s explosive potential just waiting to be unleashed. Getting that kind of production on the field for Week 1 against the Chargers would be an absolute game-changer for the Cardinals’ offense, instantly adding a dynamic threat that they’ve been missing.
What Comes Next for the Red Birds
So, what’s the deal now? All eyes are on Wednesday. That injury report isn’t just a formality; it’s going to tell us everything we need to know about Love’s availability. Can he practice fully? Is he limited? Will he suit up against the Chargers? The thought of seeing him out there in Week 1, making plays and showing off that talent, is exactly what Cardinals fans need to be hyped about. The Chargers are coming to town, and if Love can go, this offense suddenly looks a whole lot more dangerous. Get ready, because the start of the season could be even more exciting than we thought!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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