Love, who sustained the left ankle injury earlier in the season, has been unable to participate in practice sessions throughout the week. Despite recent footage surfacing of the rookie moving and cutting with apparent ease during a team flag football event, the coaching staff has opted to keep him sidelined. LaFleur noted that the organization has not yet discussed placing the running back on injured reserve, a move that would mandate a minimum four-week recovery period.
Injury Concerns Mount for Arizona Ahead of Sunday
The absence of Love is part of a broader injury report for the Cardinals, with several key personnel also set to miss the weekend’s action. Defensive tackle Walter Nolen III remains out with an ankle issue, while safety Andrew Wingard is sidelined due to a knee injury. The offensive line has also taken a hit, as guard Jon Gaines II has been ruled out after sustaining an ankle injury during Thursday’s practice session.
The loss of Gaines creates a vacancy on the offensive front, particularly as he had been filling in for Isaiah Adams, who was placed on injured reserve on October 10. Hayden Conner is slated to step into the lineup to cover the position in Gaines' absence.
Quarterback Status and Team Outlook
In addition to the confirmed absences, the team is monitoring the status of rookie quarterback Carson Beck. Beck, who serves as the emergency third quarterback, was held out of Thursday’s practice due to back spasms. He had been a limited participant in Wednesday's session.
Addressing the situation, LaFleur described the issue as a minor tweak rather than a long-term concern, noting that the physical demands of throwing at the professional level can aggravate such discomfort. The Cardinals look to navigate these roster challenges as they prepare for their upcoming fixture, with the coaching staff managing the recovery timelines of multiple players across the squad.
