Arizona just dropped their depth chart for Week 1 against the Los Angeles Chargers, and if you’re a fantasy football enthusiast, you might want to look away. Rookie running back Jeremiyah Love, the Cardinals’ No. 3 overall draft pick, is listed as RB2 behind veteran Tyler Allgeier. Yeah, you read that right. The guy drafted at number three overall isn’t immediately topping the depth chart.
The Backfield Breakdown That’s Got Everyone Talking
Look, we all knew there was talk about a split workload. The Cardinals have been pretty upfront about Allgeier and Love sharing touches. But seeing your top-3 pick listed as RB2 before the first snap? That’s a gut punch for anyone who invested heavily in Love this draft season. We’re talking about a high ankle sprain he’s still shaking off, even though he’s expected to be out there for Week 1. That’s gotta play a part in this early listing, keeping him from a full go right out of the gate. But still, a third overall pick on the second line? It just feels… weird.
Coach LaFleur’s Plan For The Long Haul
Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur has been pretty clear on his philosophy when it comes to the running back position. He told reporters during training camp that “not one running back can take all 65 snaps.” He’s seen the story play out when guys get “overloaded,” and how it can hurt them not just in one season, but over time. His goal is to “split those guys up, one, to keep them fresh throughout that game, but two, to keep them as healthy as they can for 17 games is the appropriate way to go.” So, while it’s a shock to see Love at RB2, it sounds like this is a deliberate strategy from LaFleur to manage workload and keep both backs healthy. You don’t take a running back at No. 3 overall to make him a glorified backup, right? He’s still expected to have a huge role, a truly viable one, but he absolutely will share those prospective touches with Allgeier.
Week 1 against the Chargers is going to be massive for understanding this Cardinals backfield. How much Love actually plays, how many touches he gets compared to Allgeier, that’s what everyone will be watching. It’s the first real look at how LaFleur plans to deploy his high-draft-pick rookie, and what that means for the grind of a full 17-game season.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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