Alvin Kamara

New Orleans Saints
Running Back #41
FANTASY NEWS STATS INJURY

Alvin Kamara News RotoBaller

Alvin Kamara's Pass-Catching Role Warrants Waiver Wire Consideration

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara returned from injury and immediately became the team's most involved running back in Week 2. He had an ugly showing on the ground with nine carries for 15 rushing yards, but he made up for it by catching five of his six targets (albeit for just seven total receiving yards). The yardage and efficiency numbers were miserable, but Kamara did what he does best: catch a ton of passes. As long as he stays healthy, there's nothing stopping him from fetching five-plus targets every week going forward, especially as the Saints continue to show that they're not willing to give Travis Etienne Jr. a large workload. This Saints offense looks quite impressive, so there should be plenty of volume for Kamara and even some scoring opportunities. He has low-end RB3/flex appeal in PPR leagues for Week 3 against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Sep 21, 2026 6:20 AM EST

Alvin Kamara Set to Make 2026 Debut in Week 2 vs. Ravens

After missing Week 1 with an MCL sprain, New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (knee) was removed from the injury report and will make his 2026 debut in Week 2 on the road against the Ravens. Kamara is listed as a co-starter in New Orleans' backfield with fellow running back Travis Etienne Jr., but Kamara's exact usage remains unclear. The most likely scenario is that Etienne will handle early-down work and Kamara will see reps on third downs and passing downs. Etienne carried the ball nine times for 46 yards and recorded seven receptions for 32 yards in Week 1 against the Detroit Lions. The mystery is which back will receive red zone and goal-line touches. With Kamara back in the fold, that likely also means a more limited role for Kendre Miller, who saw nine carries for 30 yards and a touchdown in Week 1. Kamara ranks as RotoBaller's No. 64 running back in Week 2 and is projected to score 4.4 points against the Ravens. It is probably best to leave Kamara out of your lineup in Week 2 to see how the backfield rotation works out.

Sep 19, 2026 6:17 AM EST

Alvin Kamara Said he Feels Great, Not Limited

New Orleans Saints veteran running back Alvin Kamara (knee) said he feels great and does not have any limitations in practice this week, according to Katherine Terrell of ESPN. Kamara said that if he did not feel great, he would not be in a position to make his 2026 season debut this weekend on the road against the Baltimore Ravens. The 31-year-old five-time Pro Bowler missed most of training camp this summer with an MCL injury in his knee, which also kept him from suiting up in the Week 1 season-opening loss to the Detroit Lions in overtime on Sunday. Kamara has been a full practice participant this week, but given how much time he missed in camp, it seems likely that he will be on a pitch count if he makes his debut this weekend, especially with Kendre Miller plenty capable of handling backup duties behind starter Travis Etienne Jr. Kamara's fantasy value has taken a huge hit in 2026 now that he is no longer the Saints' featured back, and at best, he will be an RB3/flex option for fantasy managers in Week 2.

Sep 17, 2026 1:20 PM EST

Alvin Kamara Will Play in Week 2

New Orleans Saints veteran running back Alvin Kamara (knee) will make his season debut in the Week 2 game on the road in Baltimore against the Ravens, head coach Kellen Moore told Matthew Paras of The New Orleans Times-Picayune. After dealing with an MCL sprain in his knee for most of training camp in the summer, the Saints held Kamara out of their Week 1 season-opening loss to the Detroit Lions in overtime, but he is ready to go now after practicing in full on Wednesday. It is bad news for fantasy managers who might have picked up Kendre Miller off waivers this week, and it is also bad news for the fantasy ceiling of RB1 Travis Etienne Jr., who underwhelmed in his Saints debut in the season opener with only nine carries for 46 yards and seven catches for 32 yards. While Kamara is expected to play this weekend, do not be surprised if the Saints ease him back into the fold, which will make him a pretty volatile RB3/flex option in PPR formats. When fully healthy, Kamara is expected to take a back seat to Etienne in 2026 and mostly serve as the primary third-down pass-catcher out of the backfield.

Sep 16, 2026 1:27 PM EST

Alvin Kamara Not Suiting Up in Week 1

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (knee) is officially inactive for the Week 1 season opener in Detroit against the Lions on Sunday, according to Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football. On Friday, Saints beat reporters did not expect Kamara to have a very big role on offense if he suited up for the season opener, but now he will not even be active at all as he continues to nurse an MCL sprain in his knee that caused him to miss most of training camp this summer. Kamara's absence should raise the fantasy ceiling for Travis Etienne Jr. in his debut with the Saints on Sunday, and Kendre Miller will be in line for RB2/change-of-pace duties behind Etienne. The 31-year-old Kamara should be rostered in most fantasy leagues despite his knee injury and the fact that his overall value has taken a huge hit in 2026 after the addition of Etienne to this backfield. When healthy, Kamara should be in play as an RB3/flex option in PPR leagues for his role as the Saints' primary pass-catching back in head coach Kellen Moore's offense. Kamara should have a better shot at making his season debut in the team's Week 2 matchup on the road against the Baltimore Ravens.

Sep 13, 2026 7:50 AM EST

Alvin Kamara Not Expected to Play in Week 1

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (knee) is expected to be inactive for Sunday's Week 1 contest against the Detroit Lions, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Kamara suffered an MCL sprain four weeks ago, and it sounds like he wasn't quite able to fully recover in time for today's season opener. His absence leaves Travis Etienne Jr. in the starter's role with perhaps a slightly larger workload than initially anticipated. Meanwhile, Kendre Miller will step up as the team's backup running back behind Etienne. Kamara, of course, should be benched in all fantasy leagues. His next chance to play will come next Sunday, when the Saints travel to take on the Baltimore Ravens in Week 2.

Sep 13, 2026 4:14 AM EST

Alvin Kamara Best Left on the Bench in Week 1

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (knee) looks likely to play Sunday against Detroit, but that does not make him a good fantasy start. Kamara practiced fully on Friday after being limited the previous two days, though he remains questionable with the knee injury that kept him out for most of training camp. The bigger issue is the workload. Travis Etienne Jr. is expected to lead the backfield, and the Saints can also mix in Kendre Miller even with Audric Estime ruled out. Kamara is coming off a 2025 season in which he ran for 471 yards and one touchdown in 11 games while catching 33 passes for 186 yards. Detroit was also one of the tougher matchups for running backs last season. RotoBaller has Kamara at RB63 for Week 1 and recommends leaving him out of starting lineups. His receiving role should eventually bring back some PPR value, but this is not the week to chase it.

Sep 12, 2026 12:03 PM EST

Alvin Kamara Not Expected to Have a Big Role in Week 1

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (knee) practiced fully on Friday and is cleared for the Week 1 season opener on Sunday in Detroit against the Lions, but NewOrleans.Football's Nick Underhill is not expecting a huge role for Kamara, even if he does play. Even with Audric Estime (thigh) ruled out for Week 1, Underhill believes that the Saints have enough depth behind starter Travis Etienne Jr. with Kendre Miller for the Saints to take it easy on Kamara, who missed most of training camp with an MCL sprain in his knee. The Saints officially listed Kamara as questionable for the season opener this weekend, but he will likely be active in a limited role, which makes him an easy fade in starting fantasy lineups. The 31-year-old five-time Pro Bowler is no longer the Saints' lead back in 2026 after the addition of Etienne, but once he is fully back, Kamara should handle the primary pass-catching role, which will give him some flex appeal on a weekly basis in PPR leagues. But in Week 1, fantasy managers should leave Kamara on their bench.

Sep 11, 2026 4:44 PM EST

Alvin Kamara Questionable for Week 1

New Orleans Saints head coach Kellen Moore said that veteran running back Alvin Kamara (knee) is questionable to play in Week 1 on Sunday versus the Detroit Lions on the road, according to Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football. Kamara missed most of training camp this summer due to a sprained MCL in his knee, and he also missed the end of the 2025 season with a knee injury. The 31-year-old veteran saw his fantasy football value plummet this offseason after the Saints brought in Travis Etienne Jr. to be their RB1. Kamara briefly considered retirement, but he chose to return for a 10th NFL season in the Big Easy, where he figures to primarily operate on passing downs in Moore's offense when he is active. The five-time Pro Bowler will merely be a shaky RB3/flex option for fantasy managers if he gets the green light to suit up in the season opener in Motown. If Kamara is held out against Detroit, Kendre Miller is the most likely option to serve in a change-of-pace role behind Etienne, with Audric Estime also banged up.

Sep 11, 2026 10:27 AM EST

Alvin Kamara Expected to Play in Week 1

NewOrleans.Football's Nick Underhill expects New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (knee) to play in the Week 1 season opener on Sunday against the Detroit Lions, barring a setback in practice late this week. Kamara's return would give the Saints' offense more ways to use two backs and create space on offense. The 31-year-old returned to practice on Wednesday in a limited fashion, and he is apparently trending in the right direction to be ready for the 2026 regular-season opener this weekend after being held out for most of training camp in the summer due to an MCL sprain in his knee. Kamara also missed the end of the 2025 campaign with a knee injury, and his role in New Orleans is going to look a lot different this year with Travis Etienne Jr. in town and expected to see most of the backfield work for the Saints. Kamara will still have a role, too, but mostly in obvious pass-catching situations. Kamara's expected return this weekend is not great news for Etienne's fantasy ceiling in Week 1. Even though Kamara should be rostered in PPR leagues this season, he will make for a risky RB3/flex if he is active in Detroit.

Sep 10, 2026 8:14 AM EST

Alvin Kamara is Back at Practice

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (knee) returned to practice as a limited participant on Wednesday, according to Mike Garafolo. Kamara is finally back in the mix after being sidelined most of camp due to a sprained MCL. It sounds like there is a chance that Kamara is cleared to play in Sunday's Week 1 contest against the Detroit Lions. Once healthy, Kamara is expected to be the co-starter alongside Travis Etienne Jr. this season. The veteran back can still make an impact on the field, but the presence of Etienne does hurt his overall value. Etienne would be a borderline RB1 if Kamara is out, so fantasy managers should stay tuned for more information.

Sep 9, 2026 6:41 PM EST

Travis Etienne Jr. Listed as Co-Starter With Alvin Kamara

New Orleans Saints running backs Travis Etienne Jr. and Alvin Kamara (knee) are listed as co-starters on the team's unofficial depth chart as they get ready for their Week 1 contest this Sunday, Sept. 13, against the Detroit Lions, according to Katherine Terrell of ESPN. Etienne should lead the Saints in overall touches by a wide margin when all is said and done in 2026 after they signed him to a four-year, $52 million deal in free agency in March, but when healthy, Kamara will be involved in head coach Kellen Moore's offense as a pass-catcher. Kamara is looking unlikely to play in Week 1 against the Lions, but when he makes his 2026 debut, he will no doubt take away valuable passing-game targets from the 27-year-old Etienne, lowering his overall fantasy ceiling in his first year in the Big Easy. The former 25th overall pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2021 from Clemson had his third 1,000-yard rushing campaign and added seven rushing touchdowns in 17 regular-season games in 2025, tacking on 36 catches for 292 yards and another six TDs through the air. With Kamara unlikely to play this weekend, Etienne should have plenty of fantasy upside as a low-end RB1/high-end RB2 in his debut with the Saints.

Sep 8, 2026 12:44 PM EST

Alvin Kamara Absent From Thursday's Practice

New Orleans Saints veteran running back Alvin Kamara (knee) was not seen on the practice field on Thursday in the portion open to the media, according to Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football. Kamara still has another week to work himself back into practice and be cleared for the Week 1 regular-season opener against the Detroit Lions after suffering a sprained MCL in his knee over two weeks ago. Kendre Miller has also been sidelined this week with a minor undisclosed injury, which leaves only Audric Estime and Travis Etienne Jr. as the team's healthy RBs. At this point, it seems more likely that Kamara is unavailable to play in the 2026 season opener, but he was not placed on Injured Reserve to begin the year, which means the Saints believe he will be ready to make his season debut within the first four weeks. Once one of the best dual-threat backs in the league, the 31-year-old five-time Pro Bowler has ended each of the last two years with injuries and played in a career-low 11 contests in 2025, rushing for only 471 yards and one touchdown on 131 carries while catching a career-low 33 passes for 186 yards. Now that Etienne is in town as the primary RB1 in the Big Easy, Kamara is merely a handcuff option with some pass-catching upside in PPR formats late in fantasy drafts.

Sep 3, 2026 10:47 AM EST

Alvin Kamara Does Not Participate in Saints Practice on Wednesday

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (knee) was among the players who did not participate in practice on Wednesday, per Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football. Kamara is currently battling a sprained MCL, and his availability for the Saints' Week 1 matchup against the Detroit Lions is in question. The veteran running back missed the final six games of the 2025 season due to a separate MCL sprain, making his current injury all the more concerning. Kamara averaged a career-low 4.0 yards per touch across 11 games last season and is expected to play a minimized role in the Saints' offense in 2026 following the team's offseason acquisition of running back Travis Etienne Jr. If Kamara misses the start of the year, Etienne Jr.'s early-season workload outlook could be significantly improved.

Sep 2, 2026 12:19 PM EST

Kendre Miller Says He'll Take on Bigger Role with Alvin Kamara Injured

New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller expects a larger role following veteran Alvin Kamara's injury. Kamara sprained his MCL during a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams and is expected to miss time, possibly into the regular season. Miller told the media on Monday, "It's always a next-man-up mentality. I have a bigger role now that AK is down, so I'm going to just take that and try to run with it." In three seasons, Miller has totaled 677 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns in 21 career games, though he has missed 30 games, including several hamstring injuries and a torn ACL he suffered in Week 7 last season. With former Jaguars running back Travis Etienne expected to handle most of the work in the backfield, Miller profiles as an early-season handcuff until Kamara returns. Fantasy managers should look to other options instead of Miller in the late rounds of fantasy drafts.

Aug 24, 2026 5:27 PM EST

Alvin Kamara Expected to Be Sidelined at Least a Month

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (knee) left Tuesday's joint practice with the Cowboys, and he is now expected to be sidelined for at least a month after being diagnosed with a sprained MCL, according to NFL Insider Adam Schefter. The five-time Pro Bowler dealt with a similar injury last season that kept him out of the final six games, and despite the fact that the Saints signed running back Travis Etienne Jr. to a four-year, $48 million contract in free agency, Kamara was expected to have a significant role in Kellen Moore's up-tempo offense. New Orleans opens the regular season against the Detroit Lions on September 13, and Kamara's status is now in doubt not only for that game but, at 31 years old, concerns about any lingering health issues are amplified. Amid what had been reported as a strong training camp, Kamara had risen to RotoBaller's RB53, but Wednesday's injury update will likely see him fall off draft boards entirely.

Aug 19, 2026 5:50 AM EST

Alvin Kamara Avoids Major Injury, Expected to Miss a Few Weeks

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (knee) is expected to miss a few weeks, according to Nick Underhill. Kamara left Tuesday's joint practice against the Dallas Cowboys but didn't suffer any tears or major injuries. Kamara suffered an MCL sprain toward the end of the 2025 season, causing him to miss the final six weeks. If it is another MCL sprain, it would be the fourth of his career, and at 31, recovery may take longer and returning to full speed could be slower. With the Saints' first matchup against the Detroit Lions less than four weeks away, Kamara could be a coin toss to play in Week 1. If the veteran misses time during the season, Travis Etienne would likely be asked to take on a bigger role, with both Kendre Miller (back) and Devin Neal (hamstring) banged up as well.

Aug 18, 2026 7:21 PM EST

Alvin Kamara Dealing With a Knee Injury

New Orleans Saints veteran running back Alvin Kamara (knee) is dealing with a knee issue in training camp, according to Saints sideline reporter Jeff Nowak. Kamara was pulled before finishing the joint practice with the Dallas Cowboys, but the severity of the injury is unknown at this time. It is a bit worrisome, though, after Kamara ended last year on the sidelines due to a knee injury, on top of the fact that he is 31 years old and heading into his 10th year in the NFL. There were rumors that the former third-rounder might retire in the offseason, but he has returned to the Big Easy for another season in 2026 and is set to have a drastically reduced backfield role after the Saints signed Travis Etienne Jr. in free agency. The five-time Pro Bowler should be considered day-to-day for now. He has fallen all the way to the No. 52 ranking among fantasy RBs at RotoBaller this year, although he could be a sneaky late-round depth addition in PPR leagues. Kamara played in a career-low 11 games last year, finishing with just 471 rushing yards and one touchdown on the ground with 33 catches for 186 yards and no touchdowns through the air.

Aug 18, 2026 4:05 PM EST

Travis Etienne Jr., Alvin Kamara Listed as Co-Starters

New Orleans Saints running backs Travis Etienne Jr. and Alvin Kamara have been listed as co-starters on the team's first unofficial depth chart of the preseason, according to Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football. Fantasy managers shouldn't invest too much stock in unofficial depth charts with the regular season more than a month away, but it's still noteworthy that the Saints aren't declaring a clear-cut No. 1 running back yet. Etienne figures to be the lead ball-carrier after signing a $48 million contract during the offseason, but Kamara is still hanging around ahead of his age-31 season. Last year in Jacksonville, Etienne had 1,399 scrimmage yards and 13 touchdowns, ranking as the RB10 in PPR leagues. Meanwhile, injuries limited Kamara to just 11 games, and he turned in the worst season of his career with just 657 scrimmage yards, one touchdown, and a pair of fumbles. He was the overall RB46, marking the first time in his career he finished a season lower than RB46. With all that in mind, we would expect Etienne to claim sole possession of the No. 1 spot on the depth chart by the end of the preseason. As it stands, he ranks as the overall RB17 in RotoBaller's latest half-PPR draft rankings for the 2026 fantasy football season.

Aug 11, 2026 6:12 PM EST

Alvin Kamara Seeing Third-Down Work in Passing Situations

New Orleans Saints veteran running back Alvin Kamara has been splitting the backfield with newcomer Travis Etienne Jr. in training camp this summer, with Etienne taking the bulk of the first-team reps on early downs and Kamara "getting first call on third down and in passing situations," according to Jeff Duncan of the New Orleans Times-Picayune. It's an evolving situation in head coach Kellen Moore's offense, but Duncan said he'd be surprised if it's a 50-50 split with Etienne and Kamara when all is said and done. Behind Etienne and Kamara, the RB room is crowded with contenders for the RB3 role among Devin Neal, Audric Estime, Ty Chandler, and C.J. Donaldson. The 31-year-old Kamara is set to take on a much smaller role in New Orleans' backfield as mostly a third-down pass-catching back, which will make him more of an RB4/flex option in point-per-reception leagues in his 10th year in the league. Etienne, who is ranked as RotoBaller's No. 16 fantasy RB, is the back to roster for the Saints in 2026, but fantasy managers should temper expectations with him as an RB2 because of the presence of Kamara in passing situations.

Aug 4, 2026 10:58 AM EST