Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty and Arizona Cardinals rookie Jeremiyah Love are both dealing with ankle injuries suffered during the preseason, creating questions about their availability for Week 1.
With the NFL regular season 13 days away and fantasy football drafts in full swing, Pro Football Doc broke down both injuries on this week's podcast and explained why he is more confident in Jeanty's Week 1 outlook than Love's.
Will Ashton Jeanty Play Week 1?
Pro Football Doc believes the recent signs surrounding Jeanty's ankle are encouraging and expects the Raiders running back to be available for the season opener.
"I feel better about Jeanty right now," Pro Football Doc said. "And if he came up, especially at value on Monday's draft, I would take him."
While there was no injury video available for Pro Football Doc to evaluate, Jeanty's movement since suffering the injury has provided reasons for optimism.
"He wasn't in a boot. He wasn't on crutches. He didn't have a visible limp," Pro Football Doc said.
Jeanty was also seen walking into the stadium before Thursday's preseason game with some tape or support around the ankle. With additional recovery time remaining before Week 1, Pro Football Doc's outlook was clear.
"I think he's gonna be there."
Will Jeremiyah Love Play Week 1?
Pro Football Doc has more concern about Love's ankle based on recent video of the Cardinals rookie working out.
Love was intentionally performing the workout flat-footed to avoid putting additional stress on the ankle. Pro Football Doc noted that Jeanty appeared to use his injured ankle more simply walking into the stadium than Love did during the workout.
"Am I saying Jeremiyah Love is gonna go on IR and miss the first four weeks? No," Pro Football Doc said. "But in terms of worry, I am actually much more confident in Ashton Jeanty than Jeremiyah Love in terms of the ankle."
When a report emerged that Love was “50-50” for Week 1, Pro Football Doc said, “I vote no.”
Love's Week 1 availability therefore remains less certain, with his progress over the next two weeks worth monitoring.
