New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara handled 16 carries for 67 yards and caught all four of his targets for 22 receiving yards in Sunday's 35-14 win over the Browns. Kamara found enough space to take his first handoff 13 yards and had an 18-yard gain on the ground in the fourth quarter but was stopped at or behind the line of scrimmage seven times. It was the first time since Week 7 that he finished short of 100 scrimmage yards and it was his fifth straight week without a touchdown. The four targets were the fewest that Kamara has seen in a game since Week 3. His use in Week 11 was a surprising step back from the norm, considering how thin the Saints are on offense thanks to their recent spate of injuries. Kamara should return to being the focal point of New Orleans' attack after their Week 12 bye and has a favorable schedule for the fantasy playoffs including a matchup against the Raiders in the championship round.
Nov 18, 2024 2:16 AM EST
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara is in line for another week of heavy usage in Week 11 against the Cleveland Browns. As injuries have chipped away at the Saints' depth at both wide receiver and running back, the team's reliance on Kamara has only grown stronger. Over the last three weeks he has been targeted on 41.9% of routes run and has 18.7 carries per game, compared to 25.3% and 15.9 over the first seven weeks of the season. The Browns have allowed the fewest receptions to opposing running backs this season but, given the lack of other options, the Saints will try to extend Kamara's streak of at least five receptions which goes back to Week 4. Kamara has not made it into the end zone since Week 6 but that could change against the Browns, who have allowed nine touchdowns on the ground in 2024, including three in the two games prior to their Week 10 bye. As usual, Kamara is a must-start in Week 11.
Nov 16, 2024 3:02 AM EST
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara came into Week 10 needing 12 yards to overtake Mark Ingram as the franchise's all-time leading rusher and achieved that milestone on his second touch of the game. On the day he took 17 carries 55 yards on the ground and caught five of his six targets for 54 receiving yards. With the Saints' receiving corps depleted by injury, Kamara led the team in receptions and targets. With just under two minutes left in the game, Kamara was left wide open downfield but what would have been the game-sealing touchdown pass bounced off his hands. The Saints held on for a 20-17 win over the Falcons but Kamara's scoreless streak extends to four games. His next chance will come against the Cleveland Browns in Week 11.
Nov 11, 2024 1:14 AM EST
Running back Alvin Kamara was the primary beneficiary of the New Orleans Saints offense being depleted by injuries in Week 9. Kamara ceded five carries to Taysom Hill but set new season-highs with 29 attempts for 155 rushing yards. With multiple receivers out, including an early exit by Chris Olave (concussion), Kamara's ability as a receiver took on added importance and he led the team in receptions and yardage, too. In Week 10, the situation is largely the same with Williams designated as questionable, Olave still ailing, and Cedrick Wilson Jr. (shoulder) also declared out. Thus, Kamara is in line for another big workload as both a runner and receiver against the Falcons. When the NFC South rivals squared off in Week 4, Kamara came away with 26 touches, 119 total yards, and a touchdown. He is a must-start in Week 10.
Nov 9, 2024 5:25 AM EST
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara had a whopping 29 carries and ran for 155 yards against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. Kamara also led the Saints in receiving in their 23-22 loss, catching six of his nine targets for 60 yards. Already the league leader in touches entering Week 9, it was expected that Kamara would see a heavy workload. Jamaal Williams (groin) and Kendre Miller (hamstring) were both inactive and the Saints' already thin receiving corps lost Chris Olave (concussion) midway through the first quarter, increasing the Saints' reliance on Kamara further. Kamara has been held out of the end zone since Week 6 but now has over 1,000 yards from scrimmage on the season. He will face off against the Falcons in Week 10, against whom he gained 119 total yards and scored a touchdown in Week 4.
Nov 4, 2024 2:07 AM EST
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (hand/ribs) was limited in practice all week, nursing a fracture in both his hand and a rib. Kamara carries no injury designation going into Week 9's game against the Carolina Panthers, however. In Week 1, Kamara had a total of 20 touches for 110 scrimmage yards and a touchdown and is in line for another big game on Sunday. Jamaal Williams (groin) is doubtful and Kendre Miller (hamstring) is already listed as out, making Kamara the lone healthy running back on the Saints' active roster. Already a key component of New Orleans' offense, Kamara will see an even higher snap share than usual with Taysom Hill seeing increased run as well. Carolina has given up more touchdowns (15) to opposing running backs than any other team. Kamara is as close as you can get to a lock for RB1 status.
Nov 2, 2024 3:54 AM EST
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara rushed for 67 yards on 10 carries and had another 55 yards on six receptions in Sunday's 26-8 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. It was the first time since Week 4 that Kamara had over 100 yards from scrimmage. The efficiency was a welcome change compared to the last three weeks when Kamara was gaining just 2.5 yards per carry. Kamara's first touch of the game was a 23-yard run, his longest of the season until he logged a 24-yarder in the fourth quarter. Kamara was also responsible for the Saints' longest play of the day, taking a screen pass 37 yards and showing great patience in staying behind his blockers along the way. In Week 9, New Orleans will take on the Carolina Panthers. In Week 1's blowout victory of Carolina, Kamara had 83 rushing yards and a touchdown and will again be a focal point for the Saints' offense.
Oct 28, 2024 3:35 AM EST
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (hand, ribs) was limited in practice all week but carries no designation for Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Kamara revealed earlier this week that he broke his hand in Week 5 against the Chiefs and has been playing through the pain ever since. That may explain his downturn in utilization and effectiveness in the last two weeks. In Weeks 6 and 7, Kamara had just 20 rushing attempts and averaged 2.5 yards per carry, and had 11 receptions for 3.5 yards per catch. Considering that his Week 8 opponent is the Los Angeles Chargers, there is little reason to believe a rebound is at hand. The Chargers are allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing running backs in PPR formats and have given up just two touchdowns to the position all season. Kamara is still locked in as the Saints' feature back and can be started in fantasy accordingly but managers should have expectations set for an RB2 finish.
Oct 26, 2024 5:32 AM EST
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (hand, rib) put in a second straight day with a limited practice this week on Thursday. Kamara is battling through both a broken hand and broken ribs, but he remarkably hasn't missed any time in 2024. He's the RB2 in half-PPR scoring heading into Week 8, although he has disappointed each of the last two weeks with rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler making his first two starts in the NFL. Kamara should be expected to suit up this Sunday, but fantasy managers should once again temper expectations with quarterback Derek Carr (oblique) set to miss his third straight game. Heavy volume will continue to give the 29-year-old a high floor in fantasy, but a bad matchup against the Chargers should drop Kamara to the RB2 tier. LA's defense has allowed the third-fewest half-PPR points to opposing RBs through six games.
Oct 24, 2024 6:48 PM EST
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (hand) revealed on Wednesday that he suffered a broken hand in the Week 5 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. That's also the same game that quarterback Derek Carr suffered an oblique injury that will cause him to miss a third straight game in Week 8 against the Los Angeles Chargers. Kamara has played the last two games with his hand injury, but the Saints offense has cratered with Carr out, and Kamara has 20 carries for 50 yards (2.50 yards per carry) and a touchdown on the ground during that span. Things won't get any easier for the 29-year-old, who ranks second behind Derrick Henry this year in overall fantasy points for RBs, going into a matchup this Sunday against the Chargers. Kamara has fallen to RB2 territory in fantasy.
Oct 23, 2024 5:24 PM EST
The New Orleans Saints and running back Alvin Kamara agreed to a two-year, $24.5 million contract extension on Tuesday that puts him under contract through the 2026 season, according to sources. The deal was confirmed by Kamara's agent, Brad Cicala, and puts the 2017 third-round selection in a spot to retire with the organization. The five-time Pro Bowler had a career-low 694 rushing yards for the Saints in 2023, but he bounced back 362 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns on 80 carries in the first four games of 2024 before struggling the last three games. Kamara could continue to struggle on the ground as long as quarterback Derek Carr (oblique) remains out, but predictions of his demise after last season so far have proven unfounded. The 29-year-old trails only Derrick Henry in overall half-PPR fantasy points heading into Week 8.
Oct 22, 2024 7:42 PM EST
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara is denying that he has requested a trade. "I ain request a trade.. so that's a lie. I'm in an orange robe on the way to Knoxville.. #WhoDat," Kamara wrote on his X account. Rumors may be swirling that Kamara is unhappy in New Orleans after five straight losses, most recently a 33-10 beatdown at the hands of the Denver Broncos on Thursday night. The 29-year-old got off to a blazing start in 2024 with 80 rushing attempts for 362 yards (4.53 yards per tote) and five rushing touchdowns in the first four weeks, adding 17 catches for 174 yards and another score. But in three games since then, he has 76 yards on 31 carries for one touchdown and has caught 17 passes for 78 yards. It hasn't helped that QB Derek Carr (oblique) has missed the last two games. Kamara should improve once Carr returns, but that may not be for another week or so.
Oct 19, 2024 1:02 PM EST
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara was bottled up in Thursday's 33-10 loss to the Denver Broncos, gaining just 10 yards on seven carries. Kamara's six catches were good for a share of the team lead but they resulted in only 14 receiving yards. With Chris Olave (concussion), Rashid Shaheed (knee), and Taysom Hill (ribs) all out the expectation was that the Saints would have no choice but to feed Kamara. Conversely, he finished the game with the fewest touches he has seen all season and his lowest snap share since the Saints' Week 1 blowout of the Carolina Panthers. When Kamara was on the field the Broncos seemed keyed in on him, shutting him down at the line of scrimmage on rushes and pouncing on him after each of his short-yardage receptions. Kamara gets another tough defensive matchup in Week 8 when the Saints travel to Los Angeles to take on the Chargers.
Oct 18, 2024 4:41 AM EST
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (hand) was limited in practice all week managing a lingering hand injury but is expected to play in Thursday's game against the Denver Broncos. New Orleans was probably just taking it easy on the league leader in total touches (132) on a short week. Kamara will likely be relied on heavily to produce for a Saints offense that will be missing several skill position players, with Chris Olave (concussion) and Rashid Shaheed (knee) already declared out and Taysom Hill (ribs) designated as doubtful. Kamara was targeted eight times by rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler in Week 6, who will likely get another spot start with Derek Carr (oblique) listed as doubtful. Denver's defense has been among the most effective in the league this season but Kamara should still be in starting lineups when Week 7 kicks off on Thursday night.
Oct 16, 2024 11:34 PM EST
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (hand) was limited in practice on Tuesday for the second day on a short week as the team prepares for a Thursday night matchup against the visiting Denver Broncos. On a short week, the Saints are likely just giving their star running back a little extra rest. The matchup in Week 7 against the Broncos isn't a great one, and Kamara's upside should be tempered again with rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler in line to make his second NFL start. However, as long as Kamara is active on Thursday, which he should be, he is a must-start in fantasy lineups. Kamara is currently the RB2 in fantasy points with 104 carries (fourth-most) for 428 yards (seventh-most) and six touchdowns (tied for second-most). His 28 receptions and 238 receiving yards lead all RBs.
Oct 15, 2024 7:28 PM EST
The New Orleans Saints listed running back Alvin Kamara (hand) as a limited participant on Monday's estimated injury report. The Saints could give Kamara some extra rest in practices on a short week ahead of a Thursday night tilt in Week 7 against the Denver Broncos, but he should be fine to play. The 29-year-old has been as close to a workhorse back as it gets in the NFL these days with 104 carries for 428 yards (4.1 yards per carry) and six rushing touchdowns, adding 28 receptions for 238 yards and another score through the air through six weeks. The five-time Pro Bowler had only 45 scrimmage yards in the Week 6 loss to the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but he saved his fantasy day with his seventh TD of the year. Kamara is second among all RBs in total fantasy points this year, behind only Derrick Henry, so fantasy managers should consider him a must-start in Week 7 against Denver.
Oct 14, 2024 4:45 PM EST
Running back Alvin Kamara took 13 carries for 40 yards on the ground and caught five of his eight targets for another 24 in the Saints' 51-27 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Kamara also found the end zone in the second quarter for his sixth rushing touchdown of the season (seventh overall). With Tampa seemingly scoring at will, New Orleans was playing catch-up for much of the game and subsequently abandoned the run. Similar to Week 5's showing against Kansas City, Kamara was hard-pressed to find room to run as the Saints' offensive line could not open up any lanes for the back against a dominating defensive front. New Orleans gets a few days' rest before opening up Week 7 against the Broncos on Thursday Night Football. Considering the short week and the opponent, the Saints will probably be best served to get the NFL's touch leader more involved again, especially since receiver Chris Olave (concussion) is unlikely to clear the concussion protocol in time to be active.
Oct 14, 2024 4:04 AM EST
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (hand, hip) was removed from Friday's final injury report and will play in Week 6 against the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Kamara picked up a DNP on Wednesday but was limited in practice on Thursday and Friday. Meanwhile, Kendre Miller (hamstring) practiced in full all week and is questionable to make his season debut. The 29-year-old Kamara played a season-high 90% of the offensive snaps in last week's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday night and remains a workhorse for this offense. Expect another heavy workload for Kamara in rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler's first career start, which makes Kamara a must-start RB1 for fantasy managers. However, with QB Derek Carr (oblique) out, the Saints' offense could struggle to move the ball effectively, which could be an overall downgrade for Kamara's upside.
Oct 11, 2024 6:19 PM EST
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (hip/hand) was seen at practice on Thursday, according to Nick Underhill of the New Orleans Football Network. This is a great sign, as the star running back did not participate during Wednesday's session. Fantasy managers should monitor the injury report as it should provide clarity on Kamara's status. The 29-year-old was dealing with a hip and hand injury on Wednesday, but seeing him return on Thursday suggests this injury is not overly serious. Kamara is coming off the worst outing of the season as he ran for just 26 yards on 11 carries. However, he should remain locked into all lineups if he is cleared to play as he has averaged an impressive 23.8 PPR points across the first five weeks of the campaign.
Oct 10, 2024 4:15 PM EST
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (hip/hand) was listed as a DNP in practice on Wednesday. Kamara is the No. 1 running back in fantasy and his absence from practice is a huge concern for fantasy managers. Kamara came out of Week 5's tilt with the Kansas City Chiefs banged up and it appears to have carried over into this week. Kamara has rushed for 388 yards and a whopping five touchdowns in 2024. He has added 23 receptions for 214 yards and a receiving touchdown as well. He has looked like the vintage Kamara that fantasy managers know and love. Fantasy managers should monitor the situation closely to see if Kamara's status for Week 6 is in jeopardy. The Saints offense as a whole is banged up with quarterback Derek Carr (oblique) expected to miss multiple weeks and wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (hip) joining Kamara on the sidelines on Wednesday.
Oct 9, 2024 6:33 PM EST