The Arizona Cardinals are facing sharp criticism from the NFL world after Jeremiyah Love, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, sustained a high ankle sprain during Thursday’s 27-14 preseason win over the Las Vegas Raiders.
Cardinals Face Backlash After Jeremiyah Love’s Injury
Love is unlikely to play for the remainder of the preseason, leaving his availability for the team’s September 13 regular-season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers in serious jeopardy.
The injury quickly sparked criticism from analysts and fans, with many questioning why Arizona leaned so heavily on its prized rookie during the preseason.
NFL analyst Brad Evans didn’t hold back: “This is why you don’t run your cherished top pick into the ground in the first half of a Preseason game. Just … inexcusable.”
This is why you don’t run your cherished top pick into the ground in the first half of a Preseason game.
Just … inexcusable. https://t.co/OJkSO2EvoU
— Brad Evans (@NoisyHuevos) August 17, 2026
Ian Hartitz offered a much shorter reaction: “Turn off injuries @god.”
Turn off injuries @god https://t.co/zOSdXumzbS
— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) August 17, 2026
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Doctor Jesse Morse, M.D., pointed out how quickly things changed for Love after a healthy college career: “Super healthy throughout college, unfortunately it only took one game to suffer the dreaded high-ankle sprain in the NFL.”
Morse explained that high-ankle sprains can affect a player’s explosiveness and ability to change direction. “Even a mild grade one high-ankle sprain takes about 3 to 4 weeks to be able to aggressively cut again,” he added.
NFL analyst Matthew Berry also questioned the fantasy football impact of the injury: “Why can’t we have nice things? I love, uh, Love but he should not be going in the first round of any re-draft league.”
Jaguars beat reporter John Shipley was even more critical of Arizona’s decision-making: “One of the silliest self-inflicted mistakes I can remember in preseason history lmao.”
one of the silliest self-inflicted mistakes I can remember in preseason history lmao https://t.co/uGc1d3C0Mm
— John Shipley (@_John_Shipley) August 17, 2026
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Adding to the frustration was the way the Cardinals initially discussed Love’s injury.
Head coach Mike LaFleur said, “He was in great spirits, even Friday. But we’ll keep him out this week as we let it heal. So, a little bit more sore than we were anticipating… It’s an ankle, so we’ll keep it at that.”
The diagnosis is concerning for a running back because the injury can affect burst, cutting ability, and changes of direction, even after a player returns.
Cardinals’ Running Back Room Takes Another Hit
Love’s injury leaves Arizona with even more questions in the backfield heading into the 2026 season.
The Cardinals are already without backup running back Trey Benson, who is dealing with a lingering meniscus injury. James Conner’s current status is also unclear.
That could give Tyler Allgeier an opportunity to take on a much larger role.
Love showed his explosiveness in his brief preseason debut, averaging 5.3 yards per carry before suffering the injury. Now, Arizona will have to rely on its remaining backs while hoping the rookie can recover in time for Week 1.
For a team expecting an immediate impact from the No. 3 overall pick, Love’s injury is an early setback that could have a major knock-on effect on the Cardinals’ offense.
