Love’s absence was confirmed after he missed the first two practices of the week, signaling a setback for his status. This marks his first inactive game in his NFL career, after receiving questionable tags in prior contests. While there’s no plan to place him on injured reserve, the Cardinals are proceeding with heightened caution. The team will need to monitor his status closely as they prepare for the Rams, with potential implications for their game plan next week.
In the event Love is unavailable, Arizona is expected to roll with two running backs active this week—Tyler Allgeier and Bam Knight. Allgeier is likely to inherit lead-back duties. While the first-year pro has shown reliability in limited action, he’s on pace to average under three yards per carry for a second consecutive season, a concern against a Rams defense featuring a strong front seven. The coaching staff will need to craft a game plan that minimizes exposed pressure on the offensive line and creates efficient, short-yardage gains early.
With the Rams boasting a formidable defensive line led by a standout playmaker, Arizona will need a thoughtful script to stay competitive. The offensive approach should prioritize chunk plays of three to four yards in the run game to establish a stable foundation for quarterback Jacoby Brissett, reducing the need for extended third-down situations. In the passing game, targets like Trey McBride, Michael Wilson, and Kendrick Bourne should be utilized to keep the defense honest. If the Rams’ secondary can be pressured, there could be opportunities to exploit matchup advantages, particularly if Brissett can settle into a rhythm early.
Kickoff is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. Mountain Standard Time at SoFi Stadium, with regional television coverage on Fox. Track the status updates as the game approaches to see how the Cardinals adjust their plans if Love is inactive.
