New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara has reported for training camp despite leaving the team's minicamp early. Kamara's agent confirmed at the time that the running back's departure from minicamp was contract-related. Kamara's deal runs through 2025, and his appearance at camp should quell any speculation among fantasy managers that he was preparing for some kind of holdout. The five-time Pro Bowler caught a career-high 87.2% of his passes in 2023, but he's entering his age-29 season and has watched his rushing efficiency dip in each of the past three years. Despite having to share touches with Jamaal Williams and Kendre Miller, however, Kamara still projects as a fine RB2 in PPR setups after closing as the overall RB3 in full-PPR points per game over 13 contests last year.
Alvin Kamara Could Be Heading Into Final Season With The Saints
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara has been one of the best at his position in team history, but he could be nearing the end of the line with his deal set up to make it easier to release him after the 2024 season. Kamara is looking for more long-term security, which is why he walked out of the team facility before the final mandatory minicamp practice because he's unhappy with his current deal. His contract ranked below only Christian McCaffrey when he signed it in 2020, but four years later, Kamara isn't anywhere close to CMC. The 28-year-old has surpassed 1,000 scrimmage yards in each of the last seven seasons and remains versatile, but the Saints may be considering moving on as he heads into his age-29 season. His abilities as a pass-catcher have kept him afloat in PPR formats, but even in those leagues, fantasy managers should consider him more of an RB2 moving forward.
Alvin Kamara Skips Practice For Contract-Related Reasons
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara skipped the team's final mandatory minicamp practice this week due to contract-related reasons, according to his agent, Brad Cicala. Kamara was in attendance for minicamp but didn't take part in on-field workouts as he seeks a new contract. The 28-year-old veteran has two years left on his current deal, and not much progress has been made on a new contract. The former third-round selection in 2017 was a Pro Bowler in each of his first five seasons in the league and has surpassed 1,000 scrimmage yards in all seven of his campaigns for the Saints. However, Kamara has never been a 1,000-yard rusher and had a career-low 694 rushing yards and five touchdowns in 13 games in 2023. Kamara is more attractive in PPR leagues for his pass-catching prowess. Keep in mind that he's averaged 4.0 yards per carry or less in the last three seasons.
New Offensive Coordinator Could Benefit Alvin Kamara
NewOrleans.Football's Nick Underhill believes that New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak is going to bring a running game that will give running back Alvin Kamara "more space" to operate in 2024. Kubiak, who comes to New Orleans from the San Francisco 49ers, is expected to add plenty of pre-snap motion, something the Saints rarely did in 2023. The 28-year-old Kamara finished second among all RBs last year with 75 catches on 86 targets for 466 yards and a touchdown through the air. He added 180 rushing attempts for 694 yards and five touchdowns on the ground, so perhaps the addition of Kubiak will make Kamara more productive on the ground next season. Still, fantasy managers should have hesitations about Kamara's overall effectiveness as a rusher as he enters his age-29 campaign in 2024.
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (ankle) is inactive for Week 18 versus the Atlanta Falcons, according to Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football. The star playmaker had been listed as questionable but was trending in the wrong direction after missing three consecutive practices this past week. In his absence, Jamaal Williams will suit up as the Saints' starting running back. He figures to occupy an every-down role, putting him in the RB2 tier for fantasy purposes this Sunday.
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (ankle) will be a game-time decision in Week 18, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. He had been listed as questionable after missing all three practices this week. While playing less than two days after missing practice would represent a very quick turnaround, it looks like Kamara at least has a chance to suit up. If he does play, he could do so on a snap count, leading to more opportunities for Jamaal Williams. As of now, Williams ranks as a low-end RB3 whose value would instantly rise if Kamara is ruled out. The Saints will announce their inactive players 90 minutes prior to kickoff.
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (ankle) will be listed as questionable for the Week 18 regular season finale against the visiting Atlanta Falcons, and head coach Dennis Allen said Kamara will be a game-time decision on Sunday. "Alvin is one of the guys so valuable to our team, we'll take it all the way up to game time," Allen said. Kamara sprained his ankle in the Week 17 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and is in danger of sitting out of a must-win game to close out the regular season. The good news is we'll know Sunday morning if he's able to play, and the 28-year-old workhorse back will still be a reliable high-floor DFS RB this weekend if he's active. If he doesn't get the green light, expect Jamaal Williams and Taysom Hill to be the Saints' primary rushing options. In Week 12 against Atlanta, Kamara had 15 carries for 69 yards and four catches for 50 yards.
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (ankle) missed practice for the second straight day this week on Thursday due to a sprained ankle he suffered in the Week 17 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Even in a must-win game this Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons, Kamara isn't a lock to play if he cannot get back onto the practice field on Friday. Not having Kamara in the fold would be a big blow for the Saints offense in an important game. Fantasy managers will want to check back on Friday for the 28-year-old's final Week 18 status. If he's active Sunday, he's a must-start for those still competing for a fantasy championship in season-long leagues. If Kamara cannot go, Jamaal Williams and quarterback/tight end hybrid Taysom Hill would likely split the backfield duties.
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (ankle) was not seen practicing with the rest of the team on Wednesday. Kamara sprained his ankle in the Week 17 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and is now up in the air for the Week 18 regular season finale in a must-win game at home against the Atlanta Falcons. The 28-year-old is going to need to return to practice on Thursday or Friday to be a realistic option to play this weekend. If Kamara doesn't end up being cleared to play against Atlanta, Jamaal Williams will serve as the team's backfield leader, although quarterback/tight end hybrid Taysom Hill would also likely see a heavy dose of rushing attempts. If Kamara ends up suiting up, he'll be a must-start in all fantasy lineups in Week 18.
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (ankle) is truly day-to-day after spraining his ankle in the Week 17 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to sources. He'll have a chance to play in Week 18 against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, Jan. 7, but it's too early right now to know for sure. The Saints and fantasy managers should have a better idea of Kamara can play this weekend after they get in a few practices, starting on Wednesday. If it's a high-ankle sprain, the 28-year-old would be unlikely to play a week later. But in a must-win game in order to make it into the playoffs, perhaps Kamara will suit up at less than 100 percent. If he's active, he should be started in all fantasy lineups if you're still playing for a championship. If Kamara cannot go in Week 18, Jamaal Williams would line up as the Saints' starting RB.
