Kamara, Olave expected to play in Atlanta

By Ross Jackson

After a week of concerning injury after concerning injury, the Saints finally get some reprieve. 

Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Saints running back Alvin Kamara and wide receiver Chris Olave are expected to play against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. 

Rapoport had reported late Saturday night that the team was feeling optimistic about Olave’s chances to go, which was initially signified by the team not elevating a wide receiver from their practice squad for the game. The Saints are dealing with injuries along their offensive line so having their top pass-catcher available is an important development. If quarterback Derek Carr has to get the ball out quickly to avoid the pass rush, Olave will be an essential piece to helping that happen. 

Olave is Pro Football Focus’ No. 3 wide receiver in total offensive grade. He has 12 receptions on 14 targets for 178 receiving yards and a touchdown catch. Last week against the Philadelphia Eagles, Olave caught all six targets that went his way including a wide open touchdown reception off of a great route from the slot. 

Olave will join wideouts Rashid Shaheed, Bub Means and Mason Tipton. Fellow receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr. is questionable to go with an ankle injury. 

Kamara has been remarkable to start the season. He ranks No. 4 in the NFL in rushing yards with 285 and is tied for the top spot in rushing touchdowns with four. His five total touchdowns also tie him at No. 1 while leading the league in yards from scrimmage with 417. 

The Saints’ new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak has done a fantastic job putting his playmakers in position to do what they do well, and Kamara has been the leading example. The running back has been the biggest focus of the offense through three weeks. Having to go without him in this big divisional matchup would have been a hard loss to shake. 

Expect both Kamara and Olave to get a lot of attention from the Falcons and a lot of use from the Saints. Do-it-all weapon Taysom Hill should play a vital role as well. The versatility of Hill and Kamara should come in handy for the Saints’ offense on Sunday.