JeremiyahLove

News: 3 hours agoCoach Mike LaFleur said he's "optimistic" Love (ankle) will be able to play Sunday against the Chargers, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Spin: Love was moving around at practice Monday, but LaFleur would only go as far as to say the rookie running back is "progressing" in his recovery from his mid-August ankle sprain. Even if he plays Week 1, Love is expected to cede plenty of carries and snaps to Tyler Allgeier. Love would be a risky fantasy start in redraft leagues, but he also has plenty of upside as the No. 3 overall pick with home run-hitting ability with the ball in his hands.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Love was selected by the Cardinals with the No. 3 overall pick of April's draft. Love has good size and terrific speed (4.36 40-yard dash) to go along with a three-down skill set. He led this year's rookie class in both yards per carry (6.66) and yards after contact (4.16) while ranking second in forced missed tackle rate (3.5) during his collegiate career. He's a capable receiver at all levels, a competent pass blocker and protects the ball well (one fumble on 496 career touches). Love will immediately slot in as Arizona's feature back and, especially considering each of the past nine running backs drafted in the top 12 went on to finish top 12 in fantasy points as a rookie, he should be valued as a midrange RB1 with elite upside.