The Arizona Cardinals held rookie running back Jeremiyah Love out of practice Wednesday, and head coach Mike LaFleur would not say whether he will play Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams. “We want to get this ankle right and do it the right way,” LaFleur said.
The Cardinals (1-4) visit the Rams (2-3) at SoFi Stadium on Sunday, October 18, at 4:05 p.m. EDT on FOX. Both teams lost last weekend, the Rams in overtime on Monday night.
A different ankle this time
Love sprained his right ankle in a preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders. LaFleur said that one is fully healed and that “he doesn’t even feel it” anymore. The problem now is his left ankle, which he hurt around the start of the regular season and which has lingered for a couple of weeks.
LaFleur admitted the injury has affected how Love plays. “I know how explosive he is, I know how explosive he wants to be,” he said. “That’s a fair assessment. The rest for him will be vital.”
“He’s a tough dude. But you see how he plays and how aggressive he is with his cuts. Imagine being a running back in the NFL and putting your foot down and cutting the way that you are capable of,” LaFleur said. “We all agree that as much as he wants to battle, hey, let’s give it a little bit of rest and see how it is as the week goes on.”
What Love has done so far
The No. 3 overall pick has not missed a game, but his numbers show the strain. He has 67 carries for 245 yards and a touchdown, plus 11 catches for 36 yards and another score. He ran 12 times for 22 yards against the Detroit Lions last Sunday.
If Love can’t go, Tyler Allgeier would take most of the carries, with Bam Knight behind him.
Other Cardinals missing from practice
Love was not the only regular missing. Safety Budda Baker, edge rusher Josh Sweat, guard Isaac Seumalo and safety Andrew Wingard were not seen at practice Wednesday, Donnie Druin reported. Safety Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, defensive tackle Roy Lopez and defensive back Kitan Crawford, who is back in his 21-day window to return from injured reserve, were on the field. The Cardinals’ full participation list had not been posted on the league’s injury page late Wednesday.
Rams: Davis Allen sits
The Rams’ Wednesday report was short. Tight end Davis Allen did not practice. Receiver Alex Bachman, linebacker Nate Landman, tight end Colby Parkinson and cornerback Josh Wallace were limited, and linebacker Omar Speights was a full participant. The team did not list a reason for Allen’s absence.
Los Angeles already knows it will be without left tackle Alaric Jackson, who was suspended for two games for unsportsmanlike conduct after the Bills game and plans to appeal. David Quessenberry will start in his place. Sean McVay also said the team will not open Myles Garrett’s 21-day practice window this week.
Wednesday’s practice report
- Cardinals, did not practice: RB Jeremiyah Love (left ankle)
- Cardinals, not seen at practice: S Budda Baker, G Isaac Seumalo, OLB Josh Sweat, S Andrew Wingard
- Rams, did not practice: TE Davis Allen
- Rams, limited: WR Alex Bachman, LB Nate Landman, TE Colby Parkinson, CB Josh Wallace
- Rams, full: LB Omar Speights
What comes next
A limited practice Thursday or Friday would give Love a real chance to face the Rams. If the Cardinals keep him out all week, they could decide that a few more days of rest is worth more than one game.
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