Highly touted rookie running back Jeremiyah Love will not participate in the Arizona Cardinals' initial preseason contest, the Hall of Fame Game, against the Carolina Panthers. This announcement means the third overall pick from the 2026 NFL Draft will be inactive for the highly anticipated matchup taking place in Canton, Ohio. His absence creates an opportunity for other players, such as recent acquisition Tyler Allgeier, to demonstrate their capabilities on the field.
Head coach Mike LaFleur officially confirmed that Jeremiyah Love would be absent from the Hall of Fame Game. Love, who was a standout performer at Notre Dame, earned national recognition as a Heisman Trophy finalist and the recipient of the prestigious Doak Walker Award, an honor bestowed upon the nation's top collegiate running back. His collegiate career was marked by exceptional achievements, culminating in a remarkable final season where he amassed significant rushing and receiving yardage.
During his last collegiate season at Notre Dame, Love showcased his prowess by recording 1,372 rushing yards on 199 carries, scoring 18 touchdowns on the ground. He further contributed with 27 receptions for 280 yards and an additional three receiving touchdowns. His impressive average of 6.9 yards per carry underscored his efficiency and explosive playmaking ability. Notably, his combined total of 21 touchdowns shattered the Fighting Irish's single-season record previously held by Jerome Bettis, who achieved 20 touchdowns in 1991. These statistics highlight the immense talent and potential Love brings to the professional ranks, making his absence from the preseason opener a notable development for the Cardinals.
With Love sidelined, the Cardinals' coaching staff will likely allocate more playing time to other running backs on the roster. This provides an invaluable chance for players like Tyler Allgeier, who joined the team during the offseason, to make a strong impression and secure a prominent role in the team's offensive scheme as they prepare for the upcoming regular season.
