Love’s lingering ankle issue leaves Cardinals balancing rest and availability

The Cardinals are giving Jeremiyah Love rest while leaving his Sunday availability open. The rookie missed Wednesday’s practice because of a lingering left-ankle issue, with coach Mike LaFleur declining to settle his status for the Rams game. Arizona is monitoring the injury day to day while giving its rookie time to rest.

LaFleur distinguished the current problem from Love’s preseason right-ankle sprain, which he said has healed. The left ankle has bothered Love for a couple of weeks and has affected the cuts that are central to his running style.

The coach said rest would be important, but did not announce that Love would miss the game. Wednesday’s absence begins the practice week with a participation concern, rather than a final game-status decision.

Love rushed for 22 yards on 12 carries in Arizona’s loss to Detroit. Through his first five NFL games, he has 245 rushing yards on 67 attempts, according to his official team profile. The former Notre Dame back has played in each regular-season game despite the ankle problems.

Arizona’s Wednesday report also listed safeties Andrew Wingard and Wydett Williams Jr. as nonparticipants with knee and concussion issues, respectively. Safety Kitan Crawford was limited after the team opened his return-to-practice window, and receiver Devin Duvernay was limited with a rib injury.

The Cardinals face a divisional opponent in Los Angeles on Sunday. Their remaining practice reports and final game designations will determine whether Love is available; Wednesday’s report does not establish a return date or an injured-reserve move.

Sources

Cardinals: Love’s lingering left ankle · Cardinals: Wednesday injury report · Arizona Republic: LaFleur leaves Sunday status open · Love’s official profile