Arizona Cardinals rookie running back Jeremiyah Love said he wants to be on the football field for his team's first game of the season and will do whatever it takes, but it's not up to him. On Thursday, the former Heisman Trophy contender from Notre Dame was limited once again at Cardinals practice with an ankle injury. He later spoke with reporters from the locker room and made his feelings clear about playing through injuries, whether it's Week 1 or any other game this season.
"I expect to do whatever the coaches want me to do. If they want to put me out there, I'm going to go out there and play. Whether my ankle feels 100%, 50%, 70% — I just want to play football," Love said.
"I'm gonna fight my hardest to be out there every single game of this season, and it ultimately all comes down to coaches," he explained. More news: Drake Maye Accepts Blame for ‘Unacceptable’ Play in Patriots’ Loss Love initially suffered a high ankle sprain on Aug. 13 in his preseason debut against the Las Vegas Raiders. He had 11 carries for 58 rushing yards and three receptions for 14 yards in that early preview of what he could bring this season.
However, it's unclear if he'll be good to go when the Cardinals take the field this Sunday against Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers. He's currently listed as "questionable" on the team's injury report, casting some doubt on his debut this weekend. Even though Love seems eager to play and prove himself, and fans want to see him in action, Arizona picked him third in the NFL Draft, so they will probably be cautious about him playing through this injury.
He was healthy throughout his college career, playing 16 games in 2024 during Notre Dame's College Football Playoff run, and then 12 for the Fighting Irish last season, when he emerged as a Heisman contender, but lost to Indiana's Fernando Mendoza. He's considered the favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year this season, but that will depend on his ability to contribute to his team and put together an award-worthy season. Other potential contenders include Seattle Seahawks running back Jadarian Price, Tennessee Titans wide receiver Carnell Tate, and Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Mendoza.
The Cardinals take on the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, Sept. 13, with kickoff set for 4:25 p.m. Smith Issues Stark Warning About Kyler Murray’s NFL Future For more about the Arizona Cardinals and the NFL, visit Newsweek Sports.
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