RB Jeremiyah Love got his first preseason action Thursday night in the Cardinals' second exhibition, and they worked him like a lead back against the Raiders. The third overall pick racked up 14 first-half touches: 11 carries for 58 yards (5.3 per rush) and 3 receptions for 14 yards on three targets. Love also came away from the game with a minor ankle injury, but it appears we don't need to worry about that.
What They're Saying: Love's Ankle is 'Fine'
Darren Urban of the team website: "Jeremiyah Love has an ankle injury but [HC Mike] LaFleur does not think it's serious. LaFleur said Love could've returned to the game if the Cardinals had needed. 'He's fine.'"
2026 Fantasy Football Impact: Maybe a Workhorse Load is Coming
Love's debut looks mostly positive, with a pinch of negative.
The workload looked terrific as far as what it portends for the regular season. Love carried 11 times to Tyler Allgeier's four during their shared portion of the game. The rookie played 24 offensive snaps to Allgeier's six before leaving. And only WR Jalen Brooks saw more first-half targets.
The slight negative? That's a lot of work for a key player in a preseason game. Starting QB Jacoby Brissett played just 11 snaps.
Perhaps the Cardinals just wanted to get one such look at Love in game conditions before hitting the regular season. I'd rather see his playing time dip -- or disappear altogether -- in the next exhibition than watch the rookie get another heavy load to confirm his role.
That said, the usage is encouraging for his regular-season touch upside and supports the rookie as a solid pick at his current Round 3 ADP.
