Arizona Cardinals rookie running back Jeremiyah Love made an impressive first appearance in an NFL uniform Thursday night, giving the team plenty of reason for optimism in a 27-14 preseason victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.
Love, the Cardinals’ No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, finally took the field after sitting out Arizona’s preseason opener. He made an immediate impact, showing the explosiveness and versatility that helped make him one of the most highly regarded players in this year’s draft class.
The rookie finished the game with 11 carries for 58 yards, averaging more than five yards per attempt. He also contributed three receptions for 14 yards, demonstrating that Arizona intends to use him as more than a traditional between-the-tackles running back.
Love Finds His Groove
Love’s first NFL action came a week later than he originally hoped, but the delay did little to affect his performance.
After the game, Love said he felt he had settled into a rhythm and wished he could have played a little longer. His performance nevertheless gave coaches and teammates an encouraging early look at what he can bring to the Cardinals’ offense.
The running back displayed the combination of speed, vision and explosiveness that Arizona valued when it made him the third overall selection. The Cardinals had considered Love one of the premier talents in the 2026 class and became the first team since the New York Giants selected Saquon Barkley in 2018 to take a running back in the top five.
A Versatile Weapon
Love’s receiving production was another positive takeaway from his debut.
His three catches added another dimension to an Arizona offense that was effective throughout the game. The Cardinals scored 27 points while quarterback Jacoby Brissett and backup Gardner Minshew combined for an efficient passing performance.
For Love, the ability to contribute as both a runner and receiver could become particularly important once the regular season begins. His skill set gives the Cardinals another option for creating mismatches against opposing defenses.
Cardinals Start Strong
Arizona’s 27-14 victory was its first preseason win under head coach Mike LaFleur. The Cardinals’ offense moved the ball effectively, while the defense also showed signs of improvement during the road victory.
Love’s performance stood out among the team’s young players and offered an early indication of why Arizona was willing to use such a valuable draft selection on a running back.
The Cardinals still have plenty of work to do before the regular season, and one preseason appearance cannot determine a player’s NFL future. But for a team eager to see what its highly touted rookie could do against professional competition, Thursday night provided an encouraging first glimpse.
After his first taste of NFL action, Love has already given Cardinals fans plenty to be excited about.
Source: azcardinals
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