Love Sidelined: Cards Stash Rookie RB for the Real Season

TEMPE, Ariz. — The Cardinals just put the brakes on their most exciting rookie toy. Running back Jeremiyah Love is likely done for the rest of the preseason after suffering a high ankle sprain, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter. The kid was turning heads, and now he's stuck in the training room.

Love torched the Raiders on Thursday night with 11 carries for 58 yards and 3 catches for 14 yards in a 27-14 win. But the last play of his night turned into a nightmare when he got rolled up on. Coach Mike LaFleur played it coy earlier — calling it 'an ankle' and refusing to label it high or low. But Sunday, the smoke cleared: it's the bad kind of sprain.

Why the Workload?

Why let a rookie eat 23 snaps in a meaningless preseason game? LaFleur explained the logic: the staff wanted to see what they had, and Love delivered until the injury. 'He had a good time and, really, for him, his confidence level went through the roof after that third drive,' LaFleur said. 'And it's just unfortunate that on the last play, he gets somewhat rolled up on.'

The good news? The Cardinals are optimistic Love can be ready for the season opener against the Chargers in Los Angeles. That's Week 1, not some hopium pipe dream — sources say that's genuinely the target.

LaFleur also dropped a quick learner line on Love, noting how the kid stayed grounded as the game went on and found his rhythm. Rough way to cap a breakout night, but the talent is clearly there.

Beck's Ribs Are Still Aching

Meanwhile, the quarterback room is dealing with its own pain. Rookie QB Carson Beck is 'day-to-day' with rib soreness from the Hall of Fame Game. LaFleur told it straight: 'Full transparency, the discomfort's still just kind of there. It's not going to be long term, but that's where we're at.'

So, Cardinals fans, don't panic. The preseason was never the destination. Love's just getting a head start on that bubble wrap before the real fireworks start in LA.