Arizona Cardinals rookie running back Jeremiyah Love has been cleared to play in Week 8 against the Dallas Cowboys after missing two games with a left ankle injury. Head coach Mike LaFleur said Love "will be good" to go, though he noted that no player is truly at 100% by November.
Love first felt the ankle issue in Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks and aggravated it trying to play through it. After an ineffective outing in Week 5 versus the Detroit Lions, the Cardinals shut him down to restore his explosiveness. LaFleur indicated Love is expected to reclaim his starting role, with Tyler Allgeier as the primary backup and Bam Knight as the third-string option.
In his most extensive action this season, Week 3 against the San Francisco 49ers, Love played 64% of snaps, carried 21 of 23 times and ran a route on 38.9% of dropbacks — all season highs. The coaching staff views Allgeier as more of a third-down back, excelling in pass protection and short-yardage situations, which should allow Love a larger early-down workload including pass-catching duties.
Elsewhere on the injury front, wide receiver Michael Wilson (ribs) is expected to play despite limited practice participation. Right tackle Elijah Wilkinson (knee), cornerback Max Melton (knee) and safety Andrew Wingard (knee) are also set to return. However, defensive tackle Walter Nolen and right guard Jon Gaines are out with ankle injuries, and center Hjalte Froholdt suffered a knee tweak on October 29, leaving his status uncertain. If Froholdt cannot play, guard Hayden Conner would move to center, with Josh Fryar or Kingsley Eguakun likely filling in at right guard.
