Kamara out, Olave questionable for Saints at Dolphins

By Ross Jackson

METAIRIE, La. – The New Orleans Saints may have one of their most important offensive weapons on the field this weekend after all with their star wide receiver returning to practice on Friday. However, if he’s available, the team will still be without another important piece in their backfield. 

Here is the information from Friday’s final injury report, including game designations:

New Orleans Saints

Out

RB Alvin Kamara (knee/ankle)

Questionable

WR Chris Olave (back)

No Game Designation (Good to Go)
T Taliese Fuaga (ankle)

RB Devin Neal (ankle)

Olave suffered his back injury during Wednesday’s practice, leaving early from the work day. Head coach Kellen Moore did not indicate the injury was severe and so far, that’s proven to be the case. Olave was able to participate during the portion of practice open to the media and appeared to be in good spirits throughout.

With Kamara ruled out, rookie running back Devin Neal, second-year rusher Audric Estime and potentially young back Evan Hull will take on the responsibilities of the rushing attack against the NFL’s No. 29 ranked rushing defense. They’ll be looked at to help keep the pressure off of rookie quarterback Tyler Shough.

The Saints look set to get one of their starting offensive lineman back for the matchup with Fuaga appearing good to go to return to his right tackle role. The news arrives just in time to take on a blitz-heavy defensive approach by Miami defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver. 

Miami Dolphins

Questionable

CB Rasul Douglas (foot/ankle)

OL Austin Jackson (toe)

DT Benito Jones (ankle)

TE Darren Waller (pectoral)

Full Participation

OL Aaron Brewer (foot/ankle)

LB Bradley Chubb (foot)

WR Jaylen Waddle (foot)

WR Dee Eskridge (shoulder)

LB Matthew Judon (knee)

S Ifeatu Melifonwu (thumb)

The biggest names to watch for the Dolphins will be Jackson and Douglas. Waller is a possibility as well, but with his practice window having just opened, there’s a chance he remains out or at least has a limited role if available. Jackson is the blindside protector for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, a left-handed passer, and has not appeared in a game since Week 1. Getting him back on the field, if still hampered, could cause a shakeup for the Dolphins’ protection unit that could either benefit them or potentially impact the team’s chemistry up front. 

Both Waller and Jackson are working their way back from Injured Reserve. 

Waddle and Chubb are good to go, as is Judon. Each player will put a lot of pressure on some of the Saints’ more inconsistent units.