Why Jeremiyah Love isn't playing vs. Panthers with Cardinals' RB depth chart in flux

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Why Jeremiyah Love isn't playing vs. Panthers with Cardinals' RB depth chart in flux originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Cardinals fans will get their first look at Carson Beck in an NFL uniform in Thursday's Hall of Fame Game, but those hoping to see Jeremiyah Love will have to wait.

Love won't play against the Panthers, coach Mike LaFleur announced Wednesday, ruling out the No. 3 pick ahead of the team's preseason opener.

The decision comes not long after the Cardinals listed Tyler Allgeier as their No. 1 running back on their first depth chart of training camp.

Here's what you need to know about Love's absence against Carolina.

MORE:Meet the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class

Why Jeremiyah Love isn't playing vs. Panthers​

The Cardinals are expected to sit key starters in the Hall of Fame Game, including quarterback Jacoby Brissett. While the team has been reluctant to name Love a starter, his absence isn't injury-related and might be the best sign yet that Arizona does indeed have big plans for the rookie out of Notre Dame this season.

LaFleur didn't say who would start at running back on Thursday night. If Allgeier plays while key starters sit, it could be a sign that Love is set to be the Cardinals' No. 1 running back entering the season. If Allgeier sits as well, it could be an indication that Arizona sees both Love and Allgeier as key pieces of its backfield that aren't worth risking in a meaningless game.

The Cardinals haven't ruled Love out of any other preseason games, so he could still get some game action this summer.

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Is Jeremiyah Love injured?​

Love isn't dealing with an injury, by all indications. It's common for teams to rest key starters in preseason games, particularly with the Cardinals having an extra preseason game on their schedule.

While rookies don't often sit out in the preseason, Love is expected to be a major part of the Cardinals' offense and will still have other opportunities to see game action this summer if Arizona wants to get a better look at him.

MORE: When does the 2026 NFL season start?

Cardinals projected RB depth chart​

Rank	RB
1	Jeremiyah Love
2	Tyler Allgeier
3	James Conner
4	Trey Benson
5	Zonovan Knight
6	Corey Kiner

The Cardinals'

The="" #AZCardinals

="" release="" their="" first="" depth="" chart="" of="" 2026:="" >pic.twitter.com/k59CFDDdoB

—="" Darren="" Urban="" (@Cardschatter)="" >August="" 2,="" 2026=""

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