Alvin

Kamara

Underhill declares the running back position “a need” for the Saints, “maybe not right now, but it will be for sure, in the future.” The Saints have also reportedly met with Georgia RB Trevor Etienne and Tennessee RB Dylan Sampson. New Saints head coach Kellen Moore reportedly “likes” Jeanty quite a bit. Alvin Kamara figures to remain the main back for the Saints in 2025 even with a drafted rookie, but the veteran will turn 30 in July.

Kamara will be 30 at the start of next season but still turned in a solid 2024 season, racking up 1,493 yards from scrimmage and eight total touchdowns while catching 68 passes for 543 yards and two scores. Kamara’s fantasy managers have long profited from his work in the passing game, as the veteran back has caught 68 or more passes in six of his eight years in the league. Kamara signed a two-year, $24.5 million extension last October. As long as he’s still producing at a high level, we would expect him to see workloads similar to what we’ve seen in years past.

Kamara came into the season finale with a doubtful tag, so there was always very little chance of him playing. He finishes the season with 950 yards on the ground with six touchdowns, and he added another 543 yards receiving with two scores through that route. Kamara agreed to a two-year extension in October, and likely will be the lead back for New Orleans again in 2025.

Kamara didn’t practice this week and the Saints have nothing to play for in Week 18, meaning we won’t see the veteran back take the field on Sunday. With Kendre Miller also out, Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Jamaal Williams will likely split the backfield for the final game of the year. Jordan Mims was a healthy scratch last week but could also play a role. Needless to say, DFS players can avoid this mess entirely.

That makes back-to-back practices that Kamara has missed with his groin injury ahead of the finale against the Buccaneers. Kendre Miller (concussion) also was unable to practice thus far, so it sounds like it’ll be Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Jamaal Williams who get the bulk of the carries against Tampa Bay in Week 18.

Kamara continues to rehab his multi-week groin strain with one week to go in the Saints’ 5-11season. Given interim head coach Darren Rizzi’s motivational approach, it would be unsurprising to see Saints starters play this weekend, if possible. Kamara has a long track record of playing through injuries whenever he can. Stay tuned.

Interim head coach Darren Rizzi said on Tuesday that a decision on Kamara would be made “later in the week,” but the veteran running back has been a DNP for both practices to open the week. With his knee injury reportedly being worse than initially expected, Kamara missing the remainder of the season remains a strong possibility. We’ll see if things change on Friday, but for now, Kamara seems unlikely to play in Week 17 against the Raiders.

Rizzi also relayed an anecdote of Kamara going into Rizzi’s office and letting him know he wants to play this week. Kamara’s status looks very questionable heading into Week 17, but he’d be a good RB2 play against the Raiders if he can shake the groin injury this week.

The Saints limp towards the end of the regular season in what has developed into a lost year after starting the season with the second most points scored through two games in league history. They will no trudge forward without the remaining two primary offensive pieces after losing Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, and Taysom Hill to injuries earlier this season. Wide receiver Bub Means was also ruled out by the team with an ankle injury while Marquez Valdes-Scantling is listed as questionable after failing to practice all week.

Kamara’s second DNP of the week is hardly news after beat reporter Nick Underhill reported he is unlikely to play and considered week-to-week after suffering a groin injury. A Week 17 return looks like the best possible outcome for Kamara. Kendre Miller is an RB2, starting in Kamara’s stead.