Cardinals rookie class hit by injuries, two first-round picks sidelined for season

The Cardinals entered the 2026 season with high hopes for their 2024 draft class, but injuries have quickly derailed those plans. Running back Jeremiyah Love, the team’s first-round selection, suffered a mild high-ankle sprain that could limit his preseason and raise doubts about his Week 1 availability. Second-round guard Chase Bisontis tore the MCL in his left knee during a preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders and will undergo surgery, landing him on injured reserve for the entire campaign.

Third-round quarterback Carson Beck, who showed promise in the Hall of Fame game, now deals with rib soreness that has kept him out of recent practices and the upcoming preseason matchup with the Dallas Cowboys. Fourth-round pick Kaleb Proctor injured his knee during an organized team activity, tearing a meniscus and also being placed on preseason IR, effectively ending his rookie season. Head coach Mike LaFleur expressed disappointment for the players and the team, emphasizing the priority of player health. Medical opinion from Dr. David Chao suggests Love may still be ready for the regular-season opener if his recovery proceeds well.