Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur confirmed Friday that rookie running back Jeremiyah Love will play in Sunday's Week 8 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys after missing the previous two games with a left ankle injury.
Love first felt the injury in Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks and aggravated it while trying to play through it. Following an ineffective outing in Week 5 versus the Detroit Lions, the Cardinals shut him down to restore his explosiveness. LaFleur said Love is "feeling as good as he can feel" and expects him to handle his full workload without limitations.
Role and Workload Expectations
Love is projected to reclaim his starting role, with Tyler Allgeier as the primary backup and Bam Knight as the third option. In Week 3 against the San Francisco 49ers, Love played 64% of snaps, carried 21 of 23 times and ran a route on 38.9% of dropbacks — all season highs. LaFleur indicated that Allgeier will focus on third-down and short-yardage situations, freeing Love for a larger early-down role that includes pass-catching duties.
Additional Injury Updates
Wide receiver Michael Wilson (ribs) is expected to play after practicing all week in a non-contact jersey. Right tackle Elijah Wilkinson (knee), cornerback Max Melton (knee) and safety Andrew Wingard (knee) are also set to return.
Defensive tackle Walter Nolen and right guard Jon Gaines are out with ankle injuries. Center Hjalte Froholdt suffered a knee tweak on Thursday, leaving his status uncertain. If Froholdt cannot play, guard Hayden Conner would move to center, with tackle Josh Fryar or Kingsley Eguakun likely filling in at right guard. The offensive line is already relying on backup left tackle Jayden Williams and a fourth-choice right guard in Conner.
