New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara missed practice on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday with a knee sprain this week. So, it’s no surprise the Saints ruled their franchise RB out for their Week 10 clash against the Tennessee Titans. With Kamara not playing, what are the fantasy football outlooks for the rest of the Saints’ backfield?
Alvin Kamara is not playing in Week 10 due to a knee injury
Week 10 will be the first time Kamara has missed a game in 2021. The star RB has quite literally carried the team on his back this year. He’s racked up 503 yards and 3 touchdowns on 146 carries. Additionally, Kamara has been New Orleans’ No. 1 receiver, hauling in 32 of 42 targets for 310 yards and 4 more scores.
Lead WR Michael Thomas has been out with an ankle injury since last year and was ruled out for the rest of this season. QB Jameis Winston suffered a torn ACL and damage to his MCL in the Saints’ Week 8 victory over the Buccaneers. With both players out, Kamara is New Orleans’ offense — especially with Trevor Siemian under center.
Mark Ingram II is the next man up
After sending Latavius Murray to the Ravens earlier in the year, the Saints acquired Mark Ingram II from the Texans prior to the trade deadline. In his first game rocking the black and gold, Ingram gained 26 yards on 6 attempts and caught both targets for 25 yards.
In Week 9, head coach Sean Payton increased Ingram’s usage. The veteran rushed 9 times for 43 yards and reeled in all 5 targets for 21 yards.
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Ingram had a role brewing behind Kamara, which will only expand with the RB1 out this week. I’m sure Payton does not want Siemian attempting 41 passes like he did against the Falcons in Week 9. As a result, I anticipate Ingram receives 15+ opportunities against the Titans.
Still, temper expectations, as starting left tackle Terron Armstead has also been ruled out. Furthermore, Tennessee has allowed just 100 rushing yards per game this year, the eighth-fewest in the NFL.
Who else can play a role in the Saints’ backfield in Week 10?
Tony Jones Jr. has been on the injured reserve since October 7 with an ankle injury. The Saints could have activated Jones last week, but as they haven’t yet, it seems he is not ready to return.
That leaves hybrid RB/WR Ty Montgomery and RB Dwayne Washington as the only other backs on the active roster. Washington has played a whopping 7 snaps this season, and Montgomery has run the ball just 3 times.
So, it’s safe to assume Ingram holds the majority of backfield touches, with Montgomery receiving some reps in the passing game and Washington coming in to spell either for a few snaps.
Could we see Taysom Hill get more involved?
The only other player to make a note of is QB Taysom Hill. He missed a few weeks due to a lingering concussion, but he returned against Atlanta. Now another week healthier and with more practice time under his belt, Payton stated Hill would have more packages in Week 10.
While he hasn’t been the same Swiss Army knife that we have witnessed the past two years, Hill could steal red-zone looks in this one.
