Saints make decision on Alvin Kamara’s status ahead of must-win game against Falcons
Alvin Kamara missed all three of the New Orleans Saints’ practices this week due to an ankle injury, but he was still labeled as doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons.
In last week’s 23-13 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Kamara sustained an ankle injury close to the end of the first half. After the half, the running back attempted to test his ankle, but as soon as it was apparent he couldn’t, he went back to the locker room.
“Alvin, he’s one of those guys that is so valuable to our team that we’re going to go all the way up to game-time to see where he’s at,” Saints coach Dennis Allen said. “He’s made improvement throughout the week, and we’ll just wait until game time to make a decision on that.”
The Saints will rely on Jamaal Williams and a number of backup quarterbacks if Kamara is unable to play. Although he was labeled as questionable after missing practice on Friday due to sickness, rookie Kendre Miller, who has missed the last seven games due to an ankle ailment, is expected to make a comeback. To have a second player at the position, the team may also try to promote Jordan Mims or James Robinson from the practice squad.
Together with Miller, tight end Juwan Johnson (chest), wide receiver A.T. Perry (sickness), safety J.T. Gray (illness), defensive end Payton Turner (toe), and Khalen Saunders (concussion), Kamara was one of seven players labeled as questionable.
Allen said Turner will be activated off injured reserve in time for Sunday’s game, telling reporters he anticipated the defensive end will be available to play. The game will mark Turner’s first appearance since Week 1, when he suffered a turf toe injury against the Tennessee Titans.“I’ve been chomping at the bit since September to get back,” Turner said.The Saints ruled out two players: safety Lonnie Johnson (knee) and tackle Landon Young (knee).
Young’s injury to his knee is yet another setback for New Orleans’ offensive line. The Saints placed injured veteran Ryan Ramczyk on injured reserve last week, ending his season due to a knee injury. Ever since Young started at right tackle against the New York Giants on December 17, Ramczyk had been replaced. However, Young injured his MCL against the Buccaneers, and Cameron Erving, a veteran, took his place.
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