If the New Orleans Saints want to keep their late-season momentum rolling and extend their win streak to four games, they'll have to do it without some major firepower on both sides of the ball.
The team will be without star running back Alvin Kamara, who’s still sidelined with a knee and ankle injury. This marks Kamara’s fifth straight missed game since going down in the first quarter of the Saints’ Week 13 loss to the Falcons.
Head coach Kellen Moore made it clear there’s been no setback in Kamara’s recovery, but the versatile back just isn’t ready to return yet. In the meantime, the Saints will again turn to a committee approach in the backfield, leaning on rookie Audric Estime and second-year back Evan Hull to carry the load.
They're not the only ones missing in action. New Orleans also ruled out defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (knee), right guard Cesar Ruiz (ankle), and tight end Zaire Mitchell-Paden (knee) for this Week 17 matchup against the Titans.
On top of that, tight end Foster Moreau has been placed on injured reserve with an ankle injury, officially ending his season. To help fill the void, the Saints signed rookie tight end Moliki Matavao to the active roster.
It’s a big step up for the young tight end, and he could see immediate snaps in a depleted position group.
The Saints could also be without a few more key contributors, as wide receiver Chris Olave, wideout Mason Tipson, and kicker Charlie Smyth are all listed as questionable. Olave, dealing with a lingering back issue, was limited in Friday’s practice after being a full participant earlier in the week.
He’s been managing the injury for nearly a month now, and while he’s toughed it out before, his status will likely come down to a game-time decision. Tipson is battling a groin injury, while Smyth is dealing with an illness.
With the playoffs still within reach and the team riding a hot streak, Sunday’s game is a crucial one for New Orleans. But they’ll have to dig deep into their depth chart and find production from some less familiar names if they want to keep their postseason hopes alive.