Cardinals Rest Jeremiyah Love Ahead of Clash With Rams

Cardinals give Love time to heal

Arizona Cardinals rookie running back Jeremiyah Love did not practice on Wednesday due to an ailing left ankle. His availability for Sunday's matchup against the Los Angeles Rams is not clear yet.

Head coach Mike LaFleur explained that the Cardinals plan to approach the situation one day at a time. The team understands that the third overall pick must stay off his feet if the ankle is going to heal completely.

LaFleur mentioned that Love wants to battle through the discomfort, but everyone on the team agreed that rest was the right move. The coach said the staff wants to give him some time off and see how things progress as the week moves along before deciding his role for Sunday.

Running style makes healing difficult

The injury has proven stubborn in part because of how Love operates on the field. LaFleur pointed out that Love is a tough player who runs with aggressive cuts. Planting a foot and changing direction with that level of force puts heavy stress on an ankle.

When asked about the problem lingering, LaFleur noted that ankle injuries are unpredictable and that each person heals differently. Love dealt with an ankle issue during the preseason and recovered in impressive fashion, to the point where he did not feel it anymore. However, this separate injury occurred once the regular season began, and it has stayed with him.

LaFleur also acknowledged that the injury has impacted the rookie's burst in recent games. While the coach does not view it as a complete hindrance, he confirmed that rest is vital to getting Love back to his best form.

Recent production and season numbers

Love's numbers have reflected that physical toll lately. In Sunday's loss against the Detroit Lions, the former Notre Dame star managed only 22 rushing yards on 12 attempts.

Through his rookie campaign, Love has carried the ball 67 times for 245 rushing yards and one touchdown, which equals an average of 3.7 yards per carry. In the passing attack, he has caught 11 passes for 36 yards and another score. His top outing of the year came back in Week 3 at San Francisco, where he ran for 89 yards.

What it means for the next game

The Cardinals are preparing to face a divisional rival while waiting to see if their rookie running back can take the field.

Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Rams (NFL, Sun, 18 Oct): Los Angeles Rams win 83%, Arizona Cardinals win 17%; projected score Los Angeles Rams 32, Arizona Cardinals 20. Our safest pick: Cardinals +19.5.