New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara is expected to play through his lingering ankle injury against the Atlanta Falcons, despite being listed as questionable on the final Week 12 injury report. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported late Saturday that the veteran back is “slated to go” as the 2-8 Saints host the 3-7 Falcons in a key NFC South matchup.
Alvin Kamara Expected to Play for Saints Despite Ankle Injury
Kamara has been on the injury report for weeks with an ankle issue, limited in practice and carrying the “questionable” tag into multiple games. The pattern continued this week as the Saints prepared for their home date with Atlanta, with Kamara again listed as limited and questionable on Friday’s report.
Rapoport’s late-Saturday update is the clearest sign yet that New Orleans plans to lean on its star running back again. The report noted that Kamara has been managing the same ankle problem for several weeks but is still expected to suit up.
The Saints have treated Kamara carefully during the week, but they have rarely taken him off the field when it counts. He has continued to play through the injury and even handled a heavy workload in recent games before the Week 11 bye, including a season-high carry total in the win over the Carolina Panthers.
With rookie quarterback Tyler Shough making just his third NFL start, having Kamara available is a major boost for head coach Kellen Moore and an offense that ranks near the bottom of the league in scoring.
What Kamara’s Status Means for the Saints vs. Falcons
For the Saints, Kamara’s expected availability changes how they can attack a Falcons defense that has leaned on an improving pass rush and strong secondary. Moore can keep the game plan balanced instead of forcing Shough into a pass-heavy script behind a struggling offensive line.
Kamara remains the centerpiece of New Orleans’ offense, not only as a runner but also as a security blanket in the passing game. His ability to catch screens, option routes and checkdowns gives Shough a reliable outlet when pressure hits, something the rookie has needed in his first two starts.
Behind Kamara, the Saints still have young backs like Kendre Miller and other depth options, but none bring his combination of experience, vision and versatility. If the ankle limits him at all, New Orleans can sprinkle in more snaps for the backups, yet Kamara is still likely to handle the featured role as long as he’s active.
Given the Saints’ 2–8 record and narrow margin for error, having their most established offensive star on the field is critical. A loss to the division-rival Falcons at home would deepen an already grim season, while a win keeps them in the muddled NFC South race.
Stats, Schedule & Context for the Saints
- Saints record: 2-8, last in the NFC South entering Week 12.
- Falcons record: 3-7, riding a five-game losing streak but still ahead of New Orleans in the division.
- Week 12 matchup: Falcons at Saints, Sunday, Nov. 23 at Caesars Superdome, late afternoon kickoff on FOX.
- Saints offense in 2025: Near the bottom of the league in points per game and total offense, increasing the importance of Kamara’s touches when he’s healthy enough to play.
Even in a difficult season, Kamara’s presence keeps the Saints offense competitive. With their star running back “slated to go,” New Orleans will hope his ankle holds up long enough to help them claw back into relevance in a wide-open NFC South.
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