The New Orleans Saints have no margin for error as they attempt to stay in the NFC playoff conversation, but they may have to make a run without one of their best players. Running back Alvin Kamara may have suffered an injury in the Saints’ Week 17 matchup against the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Alvin Kamara Injury Update
Kamara returned to the Saints’ locker room just after the start of the third quarter. He appeared to get injured near the end of the first half and did not play a snap in the third quarter.
Kamara entered Sunday’s questionable, but he was dealing with an illness, not an injury. Since missing the season’s first three games while on suspension, Kamara has been active and healthy for every New Orleans contest in 2023.
#Saints RB Alvin Kamara went to the locker room after getting injured on this play.
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) December 31, 2023
The Saints initially announced Kamara was questionable to return with an ankle injury but subsequently ruled him out near the start of the fourth quarter. Jamaal Williams, whom New Orleans signed as a free agent over the offseason, took over as the club’s top RB with Kamara sidelined.
Kamara had taken 10 carries for 45 yards and caught two passes for four yards before departing.
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The Saints were up 17-0 on the Buccaneers when Kamara departed Sunday’s game. If New Orleans hangs on, it can secure the NFC South title with a Week 18 win over the Atlanta Falcons plus a Tampa Bay loss to the Carolina Panthers.
After the game, ESPN’s Katherine Terrell reported that Kamara has a sprained ankle.
Fantasy Fallout From Kamara’s Injury
Fantasy managers who have depended on Kamara’s 18.8 fantasy points per game in PPR formats this season may be without one of the best backs in the league for the remainder of their fantasy championship.
Kamara has been a significant producer in the passing game, with 73 receptions heading into Week 17, leading all running backs. While Kamara is out of the lineup, look for an expanded role for Williams for the remainder of the game against the Buccaneers.
— PFN Fantasy Analyst Derek Tate