Rookie running back Jeremiyah Love is listed as the backup behind Tyler Allgeier on the Arizona Cardinals’ first depth chart of the 2026 NFL season. The team prepares to face the Los Angeles Chargers while Love works his way back from a high ankle sprain.
The Arizona Cardinals released their first depth chart of the season ahead of their regular-season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers, delivering a notable surprise for fantasy football managers and observers according to the reporting team at Cards Wire. Rookie running back Jeremiyah Love, selected third overall in the 2026 NFL draft, opens his debut professional campaign technically listed as a backup.
Tyler Allgeier, who joined the franchise on a two-year free agent deal during the offseason, occupies the starting running back role. Yet this designation aligns with the workload established during summer preparations, where Allgeier ran with the offensive starters in practice and served as the primary option throughout training camp.
Injury Recovery and Backfield Outlook Against the Chargers
Love enters his first professional weekend carrying an injury designation due to a high ankle sprain. After logging three limited practices during the week, his availability for Week 1 was initially labeled questionable according to analysis published by The Big Lead. Despite the limited practice sessions, head coach Mike LaFleur expressed optimism regarding his rookie runner’s chances to suit up.
Beyond physical recovery, how the Cardinals will divide touches between their veteran starter and prized rookie remains an open question for analysts. ESPN reporter Josh Weinfuss noted that Love is expected to play a significant role and ultimately function as the lead back once fully integrated into the game plan.
On special teams, the depth chart produced a second unexpected twist. Love is listed as the third kick returner behind Devin Duvernay and cornerback Max Melton. Past seasons suggest that depth chart designations at return specialist do not always dictate actual game-day responsibilities, as demonstrated when running back Bam Knight and receiver Jalen Brooks handled return duties at various points during the previous year.
Fantasy Football Outlook for Love, Allgeier, and Wilson
The backfield arrangement creates immediate decisions for fantasy football managers heading into the opening Sunday. Analysts suggest keeping Allgeier on the bench for Week 1, anticipating that the team will lean toward its explosive rookie despite the official depth chart hierarchy. Conversely, fantasy managers who drafted Love in the second round are advised to insert him into active lineups if he receives clearance to play.
Wide receiver Michael Wilson presents a clearer fantasy recommendation for the opening matchup. Wilson finished the previous season strongly, ranking as the overall WR2 from Week 11 through Week 18 according to Fantasy Pros data. That late-season surge coincided with Jacoby Brissett taking over at quarterback and an injury absence for Marvin Harrison Jr.
With Brissett named the starting quarterback to begin the 2026 schedule and Wilson securing a contract extension during the offseason, the veteran wideout is positioned for heavy volume.