By Ross Jackson
METAIRIE, La. — Good news for the New Orleans Saints on Sunday as a key piece to their offensive attack returned to practice on Friday. Alvin Kamara practiced for the first time this week after fighting an illness. While the Saints are expected to start second-year quarterback Jake Haener, the run game is what the team will most likely look to rely on against the Washington Commanders. For that, the Saints saw some important progress in their final practice of Week 15.
Here is the attendance from the portion of Friday’s practice that was open to the media:
Not Seen:
QB Derek Carr (Left Hand/Concussion)
LB D’Marco Jackson (Ankle)
DE Ryder Anderson
Returned:
RB Alvin Kamara (Illness)
The Saints got exactly what the doctor ordered with Kamara returning to practice. The team will be leaning heavily on the ground game with him and second-year back Kendre Miller. The Commanders have the No. 27 ranked run defense, a positive matchup for New Orleans.
Meanwhile, still no Carr this week who is managing his left hand injury as well as concussion protocol. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi did say that Carr could conceivably start Sunday even without practicing this week. But getting Haener prepped and ready for his first start should be the true focus for the team. The Saints will start their third quarterback of the season with Haener, who is also starter No. 8 since former quarterback Drew Brees retired following the 2020 season.
