The New Orleans Saints continue navigating their disappointing 2025 campaign while dealing with significant injuries in the backfield. Devin Neal suffered a hamstring injury during Sunday’s loss and was unable to return. Will fantasy football managers have the rookie running back available for Week 16?
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Devin Neal Injury Update
Neal had been thriving as the lead back ever since Alvin Kamara went down with an MCL sprain. The rookie sixth-round pick posted double-digit fantasy points in three of his last four games. He handled 17 and 20 opportunities in two games prior to the injury, demonstrating his ability to carry the workload.
This is really unfortunate for an ascending young player looking to earn his status as an NFL caliber running back. Neal departed Sunday’s contest with a hamstring injury. He did not return to the game after exiting.
Hamstring strains rarely result in a player not missing any time. The nature of hamstring injuries typically requires at least one week of recovery, even for minor strains. It is very unlikely Neal will play this week.
The Saints have not provided specific details about the severity of Neal’s hamstring issue. The team will hold their first practice of the week on Wednesday, which should provide more clarity on his status. Neal is expected to be listed as DNP when the first injury report is released.
Neal’s Fantasy Outlook
There is a possibility Kamara returns from his MCL sprain. Kamara has been out since Week 12 and has not practiced since suffering the injury. If Kamara cannot return, it will be Audric Estime and Evan Hull leading the way in the Saints backfield.
Perhaps the Saints will utilize more Taysom Hill out of the backfield. Hill has not been involved nearly as much as expected with Kamara sidelined. The versatile weapon could see increased touches if both Kamara and Neal remain unavailable.
Neal had been usable for fantasy purposes while serving as the primary back. His volume made him a viable Flex option despite playing on a struggling offense. However, I cannot endorse fantasy managers picking up or starting Estime or Hull.
If Neal is out and Kamara does not return, avoid this backfield entirely. Neither Estime nor Hull possesses the talent level or projected workload to warrant fantasy consideration. The Saints offense has struggled mightily throughout the season, limiting the upside for any player in a committee approach.
Fantasy managers rostering Neal should monitor the practice reports closely throughout the week. Given the nature of hamstring injuries and the short turnaround time, Neal’s availability for Week 16 appears highly doubtful. Managers should have contingency plans ready and look elsewhere for running back help during the critical fantasy playoff weeks.
