GLENDALE – The expectations surround Arizona Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love is as high as any draft pick in the past decade. The All-American running back has all the tools to excel at the next level, with many already penciling him in as a Pro Bowler in Year one. Fantasy owners are ready to take a swing at Love to save their team, but is that belief wrong?
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!While the popular consensus was Love was to be the workhorse of the running back room, the Cardinals currently have four quality ones on the roster. Head coach Mike LaFleur made it clear on Friday that next season will be a by committee type of halfback situation, not wanting to overwork the young running back.
Arizona Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love (4) during rookie mini-camp on May 8, 2026, at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe, Ariz. Syndication: Arizona Republic
LaFleur on splitting running back responsibilities:
Through the first week of training camp, Tyler Allgeier has gotten the most carries with 21, with Love behind him at 18. This isn’t including other running backs like Trey Benson and James Conner, who are are both nursing back from injury. Reps won’t just be given the the fourth overall pick, which could be problematic.
Offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett stated that Love looked like a rookie so far in training camp. Hackett and LaFleur’s comments aren’t helping build hype for the Heisman finalist amongst fans across the Valley.
Jeremiyah Love (4) practices during Cardinals minicamp on June 9, 2026, in Tempe. Syndication: Arizona Republic
With all the hype and limited snaps, the Cardinals seemed to setting up a situation similar to Las Vegas Raiders Ashton Jeanty. The 22-year-old was the most hyped running back prospect in the 2025 NFL draft and seen as a difference maker on the NFL level. However, his rookie season behind a bad Raiders offensive line led to a disappointment among NFL experts and fans, despite recording 975 rushing yards and five touchdowns.
Arizona Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort and head coach Mike LaFleur (right) introduce their first-round draft pick running back Jeremiyah Love during a news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health training facility on April 24, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz. Syndication: Arizona Republic
Given the circumstances, Jeanty did well for his rookie season, finishing top 20 in yards. Given being the fourth overall pick and the seventh-highest paid running back in the NFL, the floor is starting at a 1000+ yard rusher for Love. The coaching staff have done their best to temper those expectations, electing to focus on maintaining Love’s longevity for the franchise.
That mindset could lead to disappointment amongst fans and fantasy owners for his counting stats not being up to par. However, ensuring Love is at his best for 10 years and not three years will lead to sacrifices.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
