Saints make critical decision on status of Alvin Kamara vs. Titans

Saints fans, look away. New Orleans gave an unfortunate update on running back Alvin Kamara on Friday afternoon.

Kamara has been ruled out of Sunday’s game against Tennessee as he deals with a knee injury, the Saints announced. He was seen in the injury tent during New Orleans’ loss to Atlanta on Sunday and hasn’t practiced at all this week.

The former Tennessee standout is a huge part of New Orleans’ offense and is 11th in the NFL in rushing yards with 530. He also has seven touchdowns, including four receiving touchdowns — which shows his impact on the passing game, as well. Kamara is second on the Saints in receiving yards, just 13 yards behind Deonte Harris.

New Orleans took Kamara in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft and he’s been lights-out since coming into the league. He was the Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2017 and a two-time All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler. Between Kamara and quarterback Jameis Winston, the Saints’ offense is dealing with some huge injuries of late.

Kamara and Winston are No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, in rushing yards for the Saints this year. Taysom Hill is third on the list, but is serving as Trevor Siemian’s backup as he comes back from a concussion.

Late last month, the Saints traded for old friend Mark Ingram. Ingram played for New Orleans from 2011-18 and is 20 yards away from setting the franchise’s rushing record. He’s in line to start this week in Kamara’s place, according to ESPN’s Field Yates.

The Saints and Titans are getting ready to face off Sunday at 1 p.m. ET on CBS.

Saints reportedly worked out multiple running backs

During the third quarter of New Orleans’ 27-25 loss against the Atlanta Falcons, Kamara met with the Saints’ medical staff on the sideline.

With rumors about Kamara’s injury status moving forward, the Saints worked out three running backs this week. Saints insider Nick Underhill reports Kerryon Johnson, Rodney Smith and Josh Adams participated in the precautionary workout.

The Saints also recently added veteran Mark Ingram in a trade with the Houston Texans.

Kamara’s role within the Saints offense has never been more important, with starting quarterback Jameis Winston out with an ACL tear and wide receiver Michael Thomas still out with continued injury complications which kept him out all season.

He has 530 rushing yards with three touchdowns, adding 310 receiving yards and four touchdowns in 2021.