New Orleans Saints (2-9) running back Alvin Kamara has officially been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins (4-7), but his designation leaves room for optimism.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, first-year head coach Kellen Moore said the franchise’s all-time leader in rushing yards and touchdowns will not be placed on injured reserve and won’t be out the four-game minimum. Kamara suffered a knee injury in last week’s 24–10 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. In Kamara’s absence, rookie Devin Neal is expected to take on most of the carries as backup Kendre Miller is out with injury as well.
It has been a difficult season for Kamara, who is averaging an inefficient 3.6 yards per carry and has battled lower-body injuries throughout the year. Although the Saints signed the five-time Pro Bowler to a two-year, $24.5 million extension in 2024, his long-term fit with a rebuilding team remains uncertain. Now 30 and showing the physical toll of nearly a decade at one of the NFL’s most punishing positions, his future role is unclear.
GettyNEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – NOVEMBER 23: Alvin Kamara #41 of the New Orleans Saints carries the ball while under pressure by Xavier Watts #31 of the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter at Caesars Superdome on November 23, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
Receiver Chris Olave Listed as Questionable
Receiver Chris Olave returned to practice on Friday after suffering a back injury on Wednesday, and he is listed as questionable for Week 13.
Getting Olave back will be critical for the Saints, especially with Kamara already ruled out. Without both playmakers, the offense would be in serious trouble.
After starting second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler for most of the year, the Saints recently shifted to rookie Tyler Shough, who appears poised to finish out the season as the starter. However, Shough hasn’t been set up for success. The team traded away wideout Rashid Shaheed — whose speed would have complemented Shough’s arm — and injuries continue to deplete the offense. Facing the Dolphins, Shough is staring at an uphill battle.
If the Saints hope to compete this week, several young players, including Shough, will need to elevate their play. The Dolphins may not be a dominant team, but New Orleans’ offense is clearly operating at a disadvantage.
Saints Have to Look Toward the Future in the Draft
The Saints acquired two late round 2026 draft picks with the trade of Shaheed, which is key for a team that is forced to look to the future now that their hopes of playoffs of nearly 100% unlikely.
The Saints now hold seven — potentially eight — picks in the 2026 draft. New Orleans traded Shaheed to the Seahawks in exchange for 2026 fourth- and fifth-round picks. The Saints then sent their own 2026 fourth-rounder to the Denver Broncos as part of the deal to acquire wide receiver Devaughn Vele. They also traded their 2024 seventh-round pick to the New England Patriots to acquire defensive tackle Davon Godchaux. The team could receive a 2024 fourth-round compensatory pick for the departure of cornerback Paulson Adebo, though its final designation will depend on cornerback Isaac Yiadom’s playing time.
New Orleans currently holds the following 2026 picks:
- First Round (currently projected No. 5 overall)
- Second Round
- Third Round
- Fourth Round (from Seattle Seahawks)
- Fourth Round (potential compensatory pick)
- Fifth Round
- Fifth Round (from Seattle Seahawks)
- Sixth Round
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