The Arizona Cardinals may have bigger problems than their 36-24 loss to the New York Giants. Jeremiyah Love’s workload unexpectedly dipped Sunday, and the rookie running back’s postgame admission about managing his body could provide a troubling explanation. Just one week after handling his heaviest workload of the season, Love acknowledged that the physical demands of his transition to the NFL are already taking a toll.
In Week 4, Love played 30 offensive snaps compared to Tyler Allgeier’s 36. Love, though, remained Arizona’s primary ball carrier with 14 rushing attempts to Allgeier’s eight. That said, Allgeier dominated passing situations and played every snap on the Cardinals’ final drive. That ended four yards short of the goal line. Trainers also evaluated Love’s ankle during the second half. This added another layer of concern given his previous high-ankle sprain.
Love downplayed the issue but acknowledged that managing his body has become part of the equation.
Article Continues Below“Not really bothering me, kinda just managing it,” Love said. “Cause we've got a long season; coaches don't want to overload me… It’s been a long year for me.”
Selected third overall by Arizona in the 2026 NFL Draft out of Notre Dame, Love entered the league as one of its most highly regarded running backs after winning the Doak Walker Award. Through four games, he has recorded 223 rushing yards on 55 carries. He has also averaged 4.05 yards per attempt, with two total touchdowns. His 26-touch, 109-yard scrimmage performance against San Francisco in Week 3 showcased his explosive potential.
Still, Arizona appears determined to manage that potential carefully. For a franchise building around Love as a cornerstone, preserving his health matters far more than maximizing his workload in September.