Jeremiyah Love Leads Struggling Arizona Cardinals Offense
The Cardinals' top draft pick has notched 245 rushing yards while other newcomers face injury setbacks.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Football
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Arizona Cardinals rookie Jeremiyah Love has accounted for 245 rushing yards through five games in the 2026 NFL season. His performance provides a lone bright spot for a team currently facing widespread injuries among the 2026 draft class.
Why it matters
The rest of the Arizona Cardinals 2026 draft class has been sidelined by injury or relegated to the bench, leaving Love as the primary consistent contributor for the offense. This performance trajectory highlights the pressure on the young back to sustain production as teammates continue to miss time.
Jeremiyah Love has recorded 245 rushing yards on 67 carries along with one rushing and one receiving touchdown. He currently holds an 86.0 pass-blocking grade from PFF.
The players
Jeremiyah Love
He is a rookie running back who was selected as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Arizona Cardinals
The professional football franchise based in Glendale, Arizona.
Chase Bisontis
The 34th overall draft pick was placed on injured reserve after sustaining an MCL tear during a preseason game.
Kaleb Proctor
The professional football player was placed on injured reserve by the team in July 2026.
Detroit Lions
The professional football team that defeated Arizona 45-21 on October 11.
The details
Despite a recent 45-21 loss to Detroit, Love remains a central fixture in the Arizona offense while other picks struggle. Other rookies have faced significant setbacks, including Chase Bisontis, who is on injured reserve with an MCL tear, and Kaleb Proctor, who was placed on injured reserve in July.
Timeline
Kaleb Proctor was placed on injured reserve in July 2026.
Chase Bisontis was placed on injured reserve in August 2026.
Detroit defeated Arizona 45-21 on October 11, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The Cardinals' 25th-ranked 2026 draft class grade from NFL Draft on SI reflects the significant developmental challenges facing the team. The heavy reliance on Love underscores how the lack of contribution from other rookies has altered the team's competitive balance this season.
Love has recorded 11 catches for 36 yards, providing limited utility in PPR fantasy formats despite his high carry volume. With Jayden Williams starting at left tackle in place of Paris Johnson Jr., the team's shifting offensive line configuration remains a critical factor for his future production.
The takeaway
Relying heavily on a single rookie like Love can lead to early-season exhaustion if the rest of the draft class fails to contribute. Fantasy managers and fans should monitor the health of the offensive line as the primary indicator for his continued efficiency.
Further reading
For more updates on the team's ongoing season, check the Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Idaho Statesman.
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