The New Orleans Saints came into the season with outside expectations of being the worst team in football. However, they have played much better than that in their first season under head coach Kellen Moore. The Saints have won four games so far, including back-to-back wins over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers.
Moore has the Saints playing hard despite being out of the playoff picture, and you can expect that to continue over the final three games. Unfortunately for the Saints, they will be without a few key players as they head into Week 16.
Saints Expected To Be Without Three Offensive Starters
Like most teams, the Saints have been ravaged by injuries this season. They are expected to be without running backs Alvin Kamara and Devin Neal, along with wide receiver Devaughn Vele, on Sunday.
Kamara has not played since Week 12 and has not practiced yet this week. However, he is listed as questionable for the game. For Kamara to have any chance to play, you would have to think he would need to practice in some capacity this week. According to Erin Summers, Moore has not ruled Kamra out for Sunday yet.
As for Neal and Vele, they have both been ruled out for Sunday. Neal is battling a hamstring injury that forced him to leave last Sunday’s game early. At the same time, Vele is out with a shoulder injury.
Coach Moore said they will see how Alvin Kamara progresses this week, he did not practice Wednesday but not ruling him out yet #Saints
— Erin Summers (@ErinESummers) December 17, 2025
At this point in the season, every team is battling significant injuries. So that means it is next man up in New Orleans, especially at running back. Audric Estime is expected to take over as the lead back if Kamara joins Neal on the inactive list Sunday. He is coming off a six-touch game where he gained 50 yards.
Saints Hoping To Finish Season Strong
To be a successful NFL team, you have to build a winning culture. That is what Moore is hoping to do in his first season with the Saints. Even if winning games will hurt their draft stock, Moore still wants to build a winning culture. Moore’s offense has struggled this season, with an Offense Impact Rating of 66.9, ranking 28th in football according to PFSN.
The Saints are favored to win at home on Sunday against the three-win New York Jets. The Jets are on their third different starting quarterback amid another lost season. This is another excellent opportunity for the Saints to capitalize on building the winning culture that all championship teams have established.
