Love Is Questionable, and the Running Back Depth Behind Him Is Not Encouraging

Jeremiyah Love was limited in Thursday's practice, still managing the high-ankle sprain he suffered in the preseason on August 15. He's listed questionable for the opener against the Chargers. Coach Mike LaFleur said last Sunday that he expected Love to be ready, but a limited Thursday is not the trajectory you want to see two days out.

The problem isn't just Love. It's what's behind him. James Conner is on injured reserve. Trey Benson was waived in August after two injury-riddled seasons. Corey Kiner was traded to New England. What remains is Tyler Allgeier and Tavien Feaster — neither of whom has meaningful NFL production on file. Last season Arizona's backfield was already one of the least productive in the league at the position, and that was before the offseason stripped it down to this.

The No. 3 overall pick was supposed to be the answer to all of it — the reason the Cardinals could absorb losing Benson and moving on from Conner. If Love can't go Sunday, Arizona opens the season with a depth chart at running back that has no established option at the top. That's the situation.