GLENDALE – Optimism around Jeremiyah Love’s debut for the Arizona Cardinals is growing even more after a major update on his ankle injury. According to ESPN’s Josh Weinfuss, rookie running back Jeremiyah Love is expected to play Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers, a significant development after the No. 3 overall pick suffered an injury during the first week of the preseason.
Aug 13, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love (4) runs during a preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Brytus-Imagn Images
Jeremiyah Love expected to play for Cardinals in Week 1:
A source told me the expectation is that Jeremiyah Love will play Sunday against the Chargers.
— Josh Weinfuss (@joshweinfuss) September 11, 2026
This is more than a positive injury update. It could be the first indication that Arizona’s offensive plans will not need to be scaled back around its most explosive new weapon. Love was drafted third overall because the Cardinals believed he could become a game-changing centerpiece, not simply another contributor in the backfield. His combination of burst, acceleration, and big-play potential gives Arizona something it has desperately needed: a player who can turn ordinary offensive concepts into explosive gains. Love reinforced that mindset after practice Wednesday, saying he is going to fight his hardest to be out there every game and every play this season. The final decision will belong to the coaching staff, but the mentality is encouraging.
May 8, 2026; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona running back Jeremiyah Love (4) during rookie minicamp at Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Does Jeremiyah Love expect to play this week?
“I’m gonna fight my hardest to be out there every single game, every single play this season.”
The Cardinals rookie added his Week 1 status ultimately comes down to the coaching staff. pic.twitter.com/jW9a2KHswc
— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) September 10, 2026
For Cardinals fans, the excitement is understandable. Arizona does not need Love to carry the offense immediately. It needs him to force defenses to account for him on every snap. That alone can create cleaner passing windows, more favorable boxes, and opportunities for the rest of the offense.
Running back Jeremiyah Love – the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft – carries the ball during Cardinals training camp on July 26. Credits: Joe Rondone / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Chargers matchup could therefore serve as an early measuring stick. If Love is healthy enough to contribute, Arizona’s offense may immediately look more dynamic than it did during the preseason.
The real significance is not just whether Love suits up Sunday. It is whether his presence changes what opponents believe the Cardinals are capable of becoming. That is the kind of impact expected from the third overall pick.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
