Alright, you ready for this? The Arizona Cardinals just dropped their first unofficial depth chart for Week One’s battle with the Chargers, and holy smokes, the biggest head-scratcher is that third-overall pick Jeremiyah Love is currently sitting behind veteran Tyler Allgeier as the team’s RB2. Seriously, a third-overall pick, folks! You don’t take a guy that high to watch him play second fiddle right out of the gate. This is wild for an early look at how things are shaping up.
Top Pick, Second Fiddle? Talk About a Gut Punch!
Can we talk about this for a second? A third-overall pick! That’s a massive investment. You’re talking about a player who is supposed to be a cornerstone, a game-changer, someone who gets the rock constantly and carries the load from day one. To see Jeremiyah Love, the guy they invested so much in, listed as RB2 on the very first depth chart? That’s gotta sting for Cardinals fans. It’s not often you see that kind of draft capital spent on a running back who isn’t immediately penciled in as the lead guy. It makes you wonder what the plan really is here. Are they just easing him in? Is there more to this story?
Ankle Woes and Coachspeak
So, what’s the deal? Why isn’t Love already the main man? The likely culprit here is his ankle injury, which kept him sidelined for most of the preseason. That’s a huge blow for any rookie, especially one expected to contribute immediately. Missing crucial reps in preseason means less time to learn the system, build chemistry, and prove you’re ready for the grind of the NFL. It definitely explains why Allgeier, a proven vet, gets the nod. Head Coach Mike LaFleur actually hinted at this too, making sure to tell the fan base that even if Love is “the guy,” they shouldn’t expect a ton of carries from him right from the jump. And boom, this depth chart just confirms that line of thinking. It’s tough, because you want your top picks dominating, but health always comes first.
Looking ahead to Week One against the Chargers, it’ll be fascinating to see how the Cardinals handle the backfield. How many touches does Love actually get? Does he show flashes even in a limited role? This whole situation sets up a critical early season storyline for Arizona. Will Love quickly move up the chart once his ankle is 100%, or will this be a longer ramp-up than anyone expected for a third-overall talent? This is just the beginning, but man, what a way to kick off the season’s narratives!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Revenge of the Birds.
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