The New Orleans Saints just got some bad news and good news around running back Alvin Kamara, who left the team’s joint practice with the Dallas Cowboys early because of a knee injury.
As Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reported Tuesday night, the injury did not lead to Kamara suffering any kind of tear, but it was still severe enough to keep him sidelined for several weeks of action.
Wednesday morning, the specifics of the injury were released by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, who reported that the veteran had suffered an MCL sprain and confirmed the timeline of a few weeks missed.
That could mean Kamara would be ready to go for the beginning of the regular season, a timeline that may result in him being shut down for the remainder of training camp and preseason.
Kamara’s experience will aid him here, as he won’t miss much not being involved this late in the training camp process. He’s been a part of head coach Kellen Moore’s offense for more than a year, been through all of the installation practices and has enough experience to be up to speed upon his return.
Factoring in his ramp up and time for game planning, would be whether or not he is available for the season opener. But in either case, it appears that he’ll be ready to go early in the season, should the projected timeline holds.
This will give the Saints a chance to get a look at some of their young backs vying for additional rolls in the backfield behind Kamara and Travis Etienne Jr.
Running backs Kendre Miller and Devin Neal have recently returned from injury, while Audric Estime has been impressive throughout camp. This will allow them, once Estime returns from his own injury, along with new faces Ty Chandler and CJ Donaldson, to see more action and will give the Saints a clearer picture at that position for the regular season.
