Jeremiyah Love Cleared to Return for Cardinals Against Cowboys

Arizona Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love is cleared to return against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, November 1, after missing two consecutive games with an ankle problem. Arizona announced his availability Friday, October 30, after he completed a full practice without receiving a game designation.

Love was limited Wednesday and Thursday before progressing to full participation Friday. The Cardinals had rested the rookie runner while he dealt with ankle trouble that had lingered through the opening weeks. Coach Mike LaFleur said the break had helped Love reach a point where the staff was comfortable bringing him back.

“The rest was needed,” Love said Friday through the team’s website. “It helped me get back to myself.” He sprained an ankle in his first preseason game and said he hurt the other one early in the regular season, believing that happened against Seattle in Week 2.

Love remains Arizona’s leading rusher despite the missed games, with 245 yards on 67 carries. Bam Knight and Tyler Allgeier handled work while he was out. LaFleur said the running game had improved but needed more continuity, with injuries also forcing the Cardinals to keep changing their offensive line.

Center Hjalte Froholdt is questionable with a knee injury after missing Friday’s practice. If he cannot play, Hayden Conner could move from right guard to center. Right guard Jon Gaines II and defensive tackle Walter Nolen III were ruled out with ankle injuries, while cornerback Max Melton and safety Andrew Wingard are questionable.

Arizona has scored touchdowns on only one of its past 10 red zone possessions after converting nine of its first 13. Love’s return gives the offense another available runner as it tries to improve that production. Receiver Michael Wilson, who practiced with a noncontact jersey because of sore ribs, was limited throughout the week.