New Orleans will be without their star running back against Miami as knee and ankle injuries sideline Kamara for Week 13
The New Orleans Saints received mixed news on their injury front as they prepare to face the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday. Wide receiver Chris Olave will suit up despite dealing with back spasms during the week, but the team will be without star running back Alvin Kamara.
Kamara’s absence creates a significant void in the Saints‘ offensive game plan, forcing New Orleans to rely on less experienced options to carry the rushing attack. The injury developments highlight the challenging circumstances facing a Saints team desperately seeking momentum as the season winds down.
Kamara sidelined with multiple injuries
Alvin Kamara will miss Sunday’s game after suffering a knee injury during last week’s loss to the Atlanta Falcons. The setback compounds an existing ankle issue that had already been limiting the veteran running back’s effectiveness in recent weeks.
The decision to hold Kamara out reflects the Saints’ cautious approach with their franchise cornerstone. Rather than risk further damage by playing through multiple injuries, the team opted to give him additional time to heal properly. His dual role as both a rushing threat and receiving weapon makes him one of the NFL’s most versatile offensive players, and his absence removes the Saints’ most dynamic playmaker from the equation.
Rushing attack turns to inexperienced options
With Kamara sidelined, the Saints will lean heavily on rookie running back Devin Neal to anchor their ground game. The first-year player faces enormous pressure stepping into a featured role against a Dolphins defense that will key on stopping the run. Veteran utility player Taysom Hill will also shoulder increased rushing responsibilities, with his unique skill set allowing him to line up at multiple positions and create matchup problems.
The Saints activated backup running backs Audric Estime and Evan Hull from the practice squad, providing additional depth behind Neal and Hill. However, neither player has established himself as a reliable contributor, leaving questions about how extensively the coaching staff will utilize them. The uncertainty surrounding the running back rotation complicates game planning heading into kickoff.
Olave overcomes back issues to play
Chris Olave’s availability provides crucial good news for the Saints’ passing attack. The talented wide receiver dealt with back spasms throughout the week that limited his practice participation and raised concerns about his Week 13 status. Despite the discomfort, Olave progressed sufficiently to receive medical clearance for Sunday’s game.
His presence gives quarterback Derek Carr a proven target capable of stretching the field and winning contested catches. Olave’s importance to the Saints’ offense cannot be overstated, as he serves as the team’s primary deep threat and most consistent receiving option. His availability becomes even more critical given Kamara’s absence, as the Saints will likely lean more heavily on their passing attack.
Complete inactive lists revealed
The Dolphins will be without several players Sunday, though none carry the significance of New Orleans’ Kamara absence. Miami’s inactive list includes cornerback A.J. Green III, linebacker Andre Carter II and wide receiver Tahj Washington. Quinn Ewers serves as Miami’s emergency third quarterback.
Beyond Kamara, the Saints will miss safety Ugo Amadi and cornerback Rejzohn Wright in their secondary. Right tackle Barry Wesley’s absence continues the Saints’ struggles maintaining offensive line continuity. Tight end Zaire Mitchell-Paden and defensive tackles John Ridgeway III and Khristian Boyd round out New Orleans’ inactive list.
The circumstances surrounding Sunday’s game present significant challenges for New Orleans. Playing on the road without their best offensive player against a Dolphins team desperate for a home victory creates a daunting scenario. The Saints’ ability to establish any semblance of a running game without Kamara will largely determine their offensive success.
Source: Saints Wire, John Sigler