The Arizona Cardinals have delivered a positive bit of news on running back Jeremiyah Love.
In his press conference on Wednesday, Oct. 7, head coach Mike LaFleur was asked whether Love’s lingering health concerns could affect his ability in Week 5 against the Detroit Lions.
“No, it shouldn't impact,” LaFleur said. “But the best I can just tell you guys is just maintenance. Just maintenance throughout the day and then when we get to Sunday.”
Love was present during the Cardinals’ first practice of the week on Oct. 7. His participation did not appear to be limited by injury during the portion open to media.
This comes three days after Love’s health took center stage in Week 4 against the New York Giants. He was not on the field for the Cardinals’
final 17 offensive snaps, which included their entire final drive, as they pushed for a potential game-winning touchdown.
Afterward, LaFleur said that he opted for Tyler Allgeier on the final drive due to Allgeier’s superior ability in pass protection.
Love, though, said that the Cardinals have been cautious with his workload due to the high physical stress placed on rookies throughout their first NFL offseason. He also acknowledged that trainers were looking at his ankle, which LaFleur said was not the same ankle Love injured in preseason.
“It's been a long year for me,” Love said after the game. “My body sometimes is down. Sometimes tired. So it's just managing those things. And coaches know that. This is probably gonna be the longest year of my life.
"I just want to manage that workload. So today just obviously making sure to keep an eye on managing me.”
Although Love does seem on track to play against the Lions, it appears that the Cardinals will continue that process of managing his workload, based on LaFleur’s comments.
Cardinals without another starting offensive lineman
Right guard Isaiah Adams will miss the Cardinals’ Week 5 game, LaFleur announced on Oct. 7.
With Paris Johnson Jr. placed on season-ending injured reserve due to a torn biceps injury, the Cardinals’ starting offensive line now projects as follows, from left to right: Jayden Williams, Isaac Seumalo, Hjalte Froholdt, Jon Gaines II, Elijah Wilkinson.
Seumalo missed practice on Oct. 7, with Hayden Conner filling his place, but that is likely normal veteran rest.
As for Adams, he sustained his injury in the first half of Week 4, seemingly on a play when he was bull-rushed to the turf. That punctuated a difficult day for the 2024 third-rounder, who had struggled to start this season. Gaines, though, did not perform much better, as he was responsible for a handful of run stuffs in the second half.
Andrew Wingard status uncertain
The Cardinals lost safety Andrew Wingard to a knee injury early against the Giants, and they felt the ramifications. Undrafted rookie Wydett Williams entered as his replacement and struggled mightily in pass coverage, as he appeared culpable on multiple coverage busts.
Ahead of Week 5, Wingard’s status is uncertain. Here’s what LaFleur had to say on the subject: “We're kind of questionable there, if you will. I don't know if that's what his status is gonna be so you'll quote me on that but I don't know if that's accurate in terms of what is actually listed.”
Wingard did not practice on Oct. 7.
Also absent — in addition to Adams and Seumalo — were safety Budda Baker, edge Josh Sweat and edge Jordan Burch. Baker and Sweat typically do not practice on Wednesdays due to veteran rest, while Burch’s status is more uncertain.
LaFleur explains Jedrick Wills signing
The Cardinals bolstered their offensive line on Tuesday, Oct. 6, signing tackle Jedrick Wills off the Buffalo Bills practice squad. Wills was the No. 10 overall pick in 2020, but has struggled in recent years as he has dealt with a series of knee injuries.
For the Cardinals, though, it’s a low-risk move. He appears set to begin his career in Arizona as a backup behind both Wilkinson and Williams at tackle.
“Clearly he'll have an opportunity,” LaFleur said. “He's played a lot of ball in this league. Obviously a high draft pick and a number of years as a starter. Excited to get him on the grass today.”
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Cardinals give latest update on Jeremiyah Love status for Week 5
