New Orleans Saints veteran running back Alvin Kamara appeared on Wednesday’s injury report with an ankle issue, according to Saints beat reporter Mike Triplett.
The 30-year-old running back (RB) was listed as limited in practice ahead of the team’s critical Week 9 road matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.
Will Alvin Kamara Play in Week 9?
Kamara’s limited participation marks a continuation of the ankle maintenance that has plagued him in recent weeks, though the concern isn’t necessarily about his Sunday availability. Veterans of his caliber routinely receive modified practice schedules to manage minor ailments while ensuring they remain game-ready, and he may play in Week 9.
Head coach Kellen Moore will likely continue monitoring his workload throughout the week, potentially upgrading his status as kickoff approaches.
First Saints practice report of the week. Rams’ side coming later today. pic.twitter.com/elrj4vOfaA
— Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) October 29, 2025
The ankle designation becomes more concerning when considering the Saints’ depleted running back depth. Backup Devin Neal also logged limited practice on Wednesday due to his own ankle injury, leaving New Orleans with just two healthy running backs on the active roster. The situation worsened after the team lost Kendre Miller to a season-ending torn ACL in Week 7 against Chicago. Miller had been carving out a productive role with 193 rushing yards and a touchdown across seven games before the injury.
With both Kamara and Neal managing ankle concerns, the Saints have reportedly brought in practice squad running back Audric Estime as a potential contributor should either veteran be unable to suit up Sunday. Neal, who made his debut as the primary backup last week against Tampa Bay, played 46 percent of the snaps but didn’t record a carry, catching three passes for 11 yards while Kamara managed just 45 yards from scrimmage on eight touches.
Are Kamara’s Struggles Just Part of Broader Offensive Woes?
The injury report arrives at a particularly challenging moment for Kamara and the Saints’ offense. New Orleans enters Week 9 with a dismal 1-7 record, ranking 27th in total offense and 29th in scoring while averaging a meager 16 points per game. They rank fourth-worst with a 66.1 (29) mark on PFSN’s Offense Impact metrics (D). Kamara is sitting on career lows in yards per carry (3.6) and just one rushing touchdown through eight games.
Last week’s performance against inter-division rival Tampa Bay represented Kamara’s lowest workload of the season. The All-Pro RB tallied only six carries for 21 yards and two catches for 24 yards in the 23-3 defeat. The veteran back has now gone four consecutive games without reaching 50 yards from scrimmage, a troubling trend for fantasy managers and Saints fans alike.
Complicating matters further, the Saints announced Tuesday that rookie quarterback Tyler Shough will make his first career start against Los Angeles after Spencer Rattler was benched during last week’s loss. Shough completed just 17 of 30 passes for 128 yards and an interception in relief duty, failing to lead a single scoring drive. Head coach Kellen Moore confirmed on Wednesday his intention to stick with Shough as the starter for the remainder of the season.
The combination of a rookie quarterback making his first start, a struggling offensive line that has allowed 20 sacks, and an anemic rushing attack averaging just 93.6 yards per game creates a perfect storm of challenges. Los Angeles presents a nightmare matchup with the NFL’s second-most sacks (26) and a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to running backs.
Despite the difficult circumstances, Kamara remains entrenched as the Saints’ primary offensive weapon. Barring a setback during practice later this week, he’s expected to suit up Sunday, though expectations should be tempered given the offensive dysfunction surrounding him.
