Alvin Kamara’s recent absence has fantasy football managers on edge after what looked like a routine play turned into something more serious. The Saints are keeping quiet about his status, fueling speculation about how long he might be sidelined. With rookie Devin Neal stepping into a bigger role, New Orleans could be forced to shuffle its backfield once again.
Fantasy players need to monitor this situation closely it could reshape playoff lineups in the weeks ahead.
Alvin Kamara Injury Update
Kamara suffered an MCL injury in the New Orleans Saints’ Week 12 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. Historically, those injuries cost players multiple weeks, but the Saints have not made any declarations regarding his availability. Kamara did not practice on Wednesday.
Rookie Devin Neal took on the lead back role against the Falcons in Week 13, splitting duties with Taysom Hill. The Saints also have Audric Estime on the active roster, even if he’s been a healthy scratch when active this season.
— PFSN Fantasy Football Analyst Dan Fornek
Kamara Fantasy Outlook
The MCL sprain Kamara suffered last week is considered a minor injury, but one that is likely to cost him at a minimum this week.
READ MORE: Soppe’s Week 13 Fantasy Football Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em: Analysis for Every Player in Every Game
You’re holding because of the upcoming schedule (Weeks 15-17: vs. Panthers, vs. Jets, and at Titans) and this team’s commitment to Kamara as their lead man, but expectations have to be low based on everything we’ve seen (3.6 yards per carry and just 186 receiving yards this season), and now a nagging injury.
Devin Neal is the next man up, and he caught five of seven targets last week. The sixth-round rookie is worthy of rostering, but even in a plus matchup like this, I’m not tempted to call his number with zero teams on a bye.
— PFSN Fantasy Football Analyst Kyle Soppe