The NFL season is in full swing. As happens every year, injuries are rearing their ugly heads. As fantasy football managers prepare to set Week 10 lineups, it’s important to stay informed on the latest injury news. Alvin Kamara was limited at practice this week due to injury. What is his current status and outlook for this week?
Is Alvin Kamara Playing Week 10?
Update: Kamara is ACTIVE
Kamara appeared on this week’s injury report with an ankle injury, continuing a pattern that has persisted throughout the season. The veteran running back has been dealing with this ankle concern for multiple weeks. He carries a questionable tag heading into Sunday’s matchup.
This represents the same routine Kamara went through last week before ultimately playing in Week 9. The pattern has become familiar. Kamara goes through limited practices during the week, draws a questionable tag, and then plays.
The limited status at practice is likely more veteran maintenance than anything. Kamara has been around for a while and doesn’t need much practice to play effectively on Sundays. He could justifiably get every Wednesday off throughout the season and it would not be an issue for his game preparation or availability.​
Veterans of his caliber often receive modified practice schedules to manage minor ailments while ensuring they remain available for game action. Teams routinely manage veteran players through minor injuries using limited practice participation rather than full rest. The Saints appear to be taking this approach with their aging running back, allowing him to maintain his conditioning while protecting his long-term health.​
The fact that Kamara was able to participate in any capacity during all three practice sessions indicates this ankle issue is of no real concern. Players dealing with serious injuries typically miss practice entirely or only participate in individual drills. Kamara’s ability to practice in team settings, even if limited, demonstrates the ankle isn’t preventing him from performing football activities.​
The questionable designation honestly doesn’t seem necessary. Kamara is almost certainly going to play Sunday. Fantasy managers should feel confident that Kamara will be active and handle his usual workload.
Kamara’s Fantasy Football Outlook
Kamara battled an ankle injury through the work week and was able to give it a go in Los Angeles last week, but he was predictably ineffective and is now on the outside looking in at startable RBs.
Every metric you look at, from volume numbers to efficiency and expected ones, it’s clear that Kamara is on the back-nine of his career. Sadly, that process is being sped up due to the ineptitude around him.
MORE:Â Free Fantasy Football Start/Sit Optimizer
His role as a pass catcher hasn’t been the same this year as seasons past, and we were holding out hope that a change under center couldn’t hurt that downward trajectory.
Well, it certainly didn’t make things better.
If you want to tell yourself that this is going to be a tight game and thus a 16-18 touch day is possible, go for it. You’re an optimist at heart, and I admire that.
I’m actively looking for reasons to bench Kamara as my flex. If pressed, I’d start both Seattle backs over him and wouldn’t shy away from a receiver like Romeo Doubs in his spot.
— PFSN Fantasy Analyst Kyle Soppe
