usatoday
The Arizona Cardinals' prized rookie running back, Jeremiyah Love, will have to wait a bit longer for his NFL debut. Head coach Mike LaFleur announced on Wednesday that Love will not participate in the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game against the Carolina Panthers, scheduled for Thursday, August 6. This game marks the start of the 2026 NFL preseason.
Love, selected with the third overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, is the highest-drafted running back since Saquon Barkley in 2018. He had previously voiced a strong desire to play in the opener, stating in a late July press conference, "I'm going to go play. You ain't going to tell me I ain't going to go play. I'm going to go out there and play. You trying to keep me on the sideline? Nah, I'm going to play. I want to hit, get my feet in the ground, actually play against another team. I need to go out there and play. I think it's very important for my development as a rookie and as an NFL player."
Despite his eagerness, the coaching staff has decided to hold him out. His next opportunity to suit up will be on August 16, when the Cardinals face the Las Vegas Raiders in their second preseason matchup.
Fantasy Football Implications
Love's absence from the preseason opener might disappoint fans, but it could signal positive news for his fantasy value. In recent years, coaches have often rested key starters early in the preseason. For a rookie to be held out suggests the Cardinals have significant plans for him in the regular season.
However, Love may not immediately assume a full workload. The Cardinals have experienced veterans Tyler Allgeier and James Conner on the roster, who could split carries early on. Offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett recently said, "He's definitely a rookie, as we've talked about, and he'll keep growing every single day. I'm very excited for him. All of those guys, not just him."
Nevertheless, Love is projected to eventually become the team's lead back and primary receiving option out of the backfield, giving him added value in PPR leagues. He is currently viewed as a solid RB2 with the potential to rise to RB1 by season's end as he gains experience.
Running Back Depth Chart
The Cardinals currently roster six running backs. The unofficial depth chart lists Tyler Allgeier first, followed by Jeremiyah Love, James Conner, Trey Benson, Bam Knight, and Corey Kiner. With Love out and Conner and Benson recovering from season-ending injuries, Knight and Kiner are expected to see the majority of carries in the Hall of Fame Game.
College Stats
Love posted career-best numbers in his final season at Notre Dame, amassing 1,652 scrimmage yards and finishing third in Heisman Trophy voting. His 2025 stats include 199 carries for 1,372 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns, averaging 6.9 yards per carry. He also caught 27 passes for 280 yards and three touchdowns, with an average of 10.4 yards per reception. The Cardinals hope he can replicate that explosive, three-down production at the professional level.
Originally reported by usatoday.