Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave not seen at Saints’ Thursday practice

By Ross Jackson

METAIRIE, La. — The New Orleans Saints returned to the practice field for their Thanksgiving day work ahead of Sunday’s matchup with the Miami Dolphins.

Unfortunately, they did so without two important pieces on offense. Here are the players not seen during the open portion of Thursday’s practice:

• WR Chris Olave (back)
• RB Alvin Kamara (knee/ankle)
• DT Davon Godchaux

Kamara has now missed the first two days of practice. He went down awkwardly during a tackle against the Atlanta Falcons last week. With Kamara managing his recovery, the Saints are set to lean on rookie back Devin Neal and newly-acquired Audric Estimé to shoulder the load against one of the NFL’s worst rushing defenses.

Kamara could surprise and be back on the field Friday. If he is, it might be seen as holiday miracle.

Olave left Wednesday’s practice early with a back injury, creating much concern around the team’s wide receiver room which has already been depleted by recent departures of Rashid Shaheed and Brandin Cooks.

With Olave’s availability now in question, wideouts Devaughn Vele and Mason Tipton come into focus as the primary contributors to the perimeter passing game. Meanwhile tight end Juwan Johnson is sure to see a lot of attention in Miami as well.

Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough could have his work cut out for him from a weapons standpoint, but at least starting right tackle Taliese Fuaga appears to be on trending in the right direction.