The New Orleans Saints entered Week 13 with uncertainty hovering over their backfield for the first time this season. Alvin Kamara’s absence has created a level of unpredictability that now shapes the lead-up to Week 14, leaving fans and observers waiting to see whether his recovery has made meaningful progress.
What’s the Latest on Alvin Kamara?
Kamara missed Week 13 because of knee and ankle injuries suffered in Week 12. The reporting from the reference article noted that he did not participate in any practice sessions throughout the week, indicating that his recovery had not progressed noticeably.
That lack of improvement contributed to projections that he was more likely to miss Week 14 than suit up.
NFL Insider Adam Schefter added further clarity when he reported, “Saints RB Alvin Kamara, who injured his knee last Sunday, is out for Sunday’s game vs the Dolphins. The Saints are not planning to place him on IR.”
This detail pointed toward an expected return within a three-game window.
Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football identified the specific issue as an MCL sprain and wrote, “Alvin Kamara has an MCL sprain, according to a source. Avoided a major injury, but we’ll see how it progresses. He could take a little time, but nothing that’s super serious or threatening long term. Hard to know how long. Alvin and his team often beat timelines.”
Saints RB Alvin Kamara, who injured his knee last Sunday, is out for Sunday’s game vs the Dolphins. The Saints are not planning to place him on IR.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 28, 2025
MCL sprains typically require multiple weeks to heal. It also noted the possibility that Kamara could miss Weeks 14 and 15 but would likely return by Week 16, given that the Saints did not place him on injured reserve.
Alongside the injury timeline, Kamara’s season performance provides context for how valuable he has been. According to PFSN’s RB Impact metric, Kamara holds an RB Impact Score of 73.4 for the 2025 season.
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His grade is listed as C, and he is ranked 33rd for the year. He has played 11 games and holds an overall rank of 376 among running backs evaluated since 2013.
His production includes 131 rushing attempts, 471 rushing yards, 1 rushing touchdown, an average of 3.6 yards per carry, and 39 targets in the passing game.
When combining the injury information with his statistical importance, the outlook for Week 14 remains uncertain. The indicators suggest he may still need additional time, though the team’s decision not to use injured reserve signals confidence in a shorter absence. The first practice report of the week will offer the next meaningful update.