New Orleans Saints RB Alvin Kamara has wasted no time inserting himself back into the RB1 conversation since returning from his three-game suspension. Unfortunately, Kamara did not practice on Wednesday, which brings his status for fantasy football managers into question for Week 8. How will Kamara’s injury impact the Saints backfield heading into their matchup against the Indianapolis Colts?
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Latest Injury Update on Alvin Kamara
According to a recent report from WWL-TV, Kamara missed Wednesday’s practice due to an illness. Details are limited on what type of illness Kamara is currently dealing with at this moment.
Will Kamara Play This Week?
Kamara missing the first practice of the week is certainly noteworthy. But it doesn’t give us a clear sign one way or the other whether he will be available for this week’s game against the Colts. Fantasy managers need to monitor Kamara’s practice participation as the week progresses.
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Assuming the illness is nothing too serious, Kamara would have a great chance to start on Sunday if he is able to get back on the practice field on Thursday or Friday.
What Does This Mean for Jamaal Williams and Kendre Miller’s Fantasy Ranking?
Since Kamara has returned to the starting lineup after his suspension, he has been one of the best volume plays at the running back position in all of fantasy football.
Kamara has touched the ball 104 times for a total of 438 yards and a score over the past four games. His average of 26 touches per game is the highest mark for any running back in the league.
What has made him fantasy gold in 2023 is his usage in the passing game. Kamara has averaged nine targets, eight receptions, and 44 yards receiving on a per-game basis.
Saints quarterback Derek Carr has been checking the ball down to Kamara at a high rate. The proof is in the advanced numbers. From Weeks 4 to 7, Carr’s air yards per attempt is just 3.3, which is among the lowest amongst starting quarterbacks since Kamara has returned to the lineup.
This has given Kamara a PPR floor that is unmatched at the running back position. Until he scores fewer than 17 fantasy points in a PPR format this season, he is a must-start at RB.
If Kamara is unavailable against the Colts, Jamaal Williams should lead the team in carries, while Kendre Miller plays in a complementary role. Williams sneaks inside my top 30 in the weekly running back rankings; Miller is still outside of my top 50.