Alvin Kamara, the star running back for the New Orleans Saints, has suffered a significant injury setback, raising concerns about his availability for the remainder of the 2024 season. The Saints are bracing for the worst after Kamara sustained a groin injury during their recent loss to the Washington Commanders. The 29-year-old was forced to leave the game in the second half and was unable to return to the field.
Interim head coach Darren Rizzi has already indicated that Kamara is unlikely to play in Week 16, when the Saints face the Green Bay Packers in a Monday night matchup. However, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the outlook appears even bleaker, with the Saints reportedly fearing that Kamara’s injury could sideline him for the rest of the season. Given the team’s current position in the standings, there is speculation that New Orleans may opt to shut Kamara down entirely, particularly with little left to play for as the season winds down.
The Saints are 5-9 heading into their Week 16 clash at Green Bay, with remaining games against the Las Vegas Raiders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Even with Kamara having one of his most productive seasons, the team’s playoff hopes are effectively out of reach, which could influence their decision to prioritize his long-term health over a potential return this year.
In Kamara’s absence, the Saints are expected to turn to rookie Kendre Miller to lead the backfield. Miller, who has shown promise this season, will likely share snaps with Jamaal Williams and Jordan Mims, the other running backs on the roster. Additionally, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, a former LSU standout who recently joined the Saints’ practice squad, could see some playing time. Edwards-Helaire has fond memories of Louisiana, having won a college national championship with LSU, and may be called upon to help fill the void left by Kamara.
Kamara’s injury comes as a major blow to the Saints, particularly because the veteran running back has been enjoying one of his best seasons in the NFL. Over the course of 14 games in 2024, Kamara has amassed 950 rushing yards, marking a career-high in that category, along with six rushing touchdowns. He has also contributed significantly in the passing game, recording 543 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns. Kamara’s dual-threat abilities have been a cornerstone of the Saints’ offense, and his absence will undoubtedly be felt.
The 2024 season has been a standout year for Kamara, further cementing his reputation as one of the league’s most versatile and reliable running backs. This season, his rushing total surpassed his previous best of 932 yards, achieved in 2020, when he also tallied an incredible 16 rushing touchdowns. In addition to his ground game, Kamara’s 2020 campaign featured 756 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns, making it one of the most productive seasons of his career. Remarkably, Kamara has surpassed 1,000 combined rushing and receiving yards in every season since entering the league, a testament to his consistency and elite performance.
Despite his impressive individual achievements, the Saints’ struggles this season have overshadowed Kamara’s contributions. The team’s 5-9 record reflects broader issues, including injuries, inconsistent play, and coaching changes, which have hampered their ability to compete in the NFC. With Kamara now sidelined, the Saints face an even steeper uphill battle as they close out their disappointing season.
While Kamara’s absence creates challenges for the Saints, it also provides opportunities for younger players like Kendre Miller to step into larger roles. Miller, who was drafted this year, has shown flashes of potential and could use these final games as a chance to prove himself as a key part of the team’s future. Similarly, veterans like Jamaal Williams and newcomers like Clyde Edwards-Helaire may play more prominent roles as the Saints look to evaluate their roster heading into the offseason.
For Kamara, the focus will now shift to recovery and ensuring he returns to full strength for the 2025 season. At 29 years old and in his eighth NFL season, Kamara remains a critical piece of the Saints’ offense and one of the league’s top running backs. However, the nature of his injury underscores the physical toll of the game and the importance of managing his workload to prolong his career.
In summary, Alvin Kamara’s groin injury has dealt a significant blow to both the player and the New Orleans Saints. With the team’s season all but over, the Saints may decide to prioritize Kamara’s health and shut him down for the remainder of the year. While his absence will undoubtedly impact the team, it also provides an opportunity for younger players like Kendre Miller to step up. Kamara’s impressive 2024 season will be remembered as one of his best, even if it ends prematurely. As the Saints look toward the future, they will need to address their broader challenges while ensuring Kamara remains a cornerstone of their offense moving forward.
