We can debate how effectively the Drew Brees-less versions of the New Orleans Saints offense has weaponized Alvin Kamara, but there’s no doubting they miss him. Kamara has missed six games due to injuries since 2021, and the Saints have lost every one of them — including last week’s 28-25 heartbreaker against the Minnesota Vikings in London. But there’s no time for dwelling on that. All eyes are centered on their upcoming homestand with the Seattle Seahawks (in Week 6) and the Cincinnati Bengals (in Week 7), and Kamara is eager to get back to work.
“This week I’m feeling great, healthy, ready to roll,” Kamara told reporters after Wednesday’s practice session. “So I’m going to be out there.”
Kamara explained that the rib injury he’s been managing is kind of unique — there isn’t much to be done as far as treatment, though he’s been diligent in following the rehab plan for promoting healing, and some days the pain and discomfort is more aggressive than others. After trying to gut it out in Week 3, Kamara acknowledged that his early return may have been a bit premature, but he’s in a better place now.
At this point, he and the team’s medical staff are ready for him to get back on the field, though he’s being careful to wear some extra padding as a precaution. He told ESPN’s Katherine Terrell that the goal is to “Just protect it, be on the safe side rather than not and end up with another injury. We’re going to protect it and we’ll be good.”
New Orleans could use him. They’ve struggled to run with consistency throughout the season, and Kamara is the kind of constant big-play threat can really tune up their offense. He’s also a premiere asset around the league on passing downs, having caught 5.4 passes per game through his first four years as a pro. Jameis Winston struggled to establish a connection with him in their time together (though Kamara did catch 10 receptions against this Seahawks team last year, with Winston throwing to him) early this year, but Andy Dalton may be a better fit with his quick release and more-decisive style of play.