The New Orleans Saints got the news they were hoping for on Alvin Kamara, even if it still leaves them in a bind for the weeks ahead.
Kamara suffered a knee injury Tuesday during a joint practice with the Dallas Cowboys, but the latest update brought relief on the biggest question. According to NewOrleans.Football reporter Nick Underhill on X, Kamara avoided a major knee injury and “didn't tear anything.” Underhill’s source also said the running back will be out for a few weeks.
That timeline almost certainly knocks Kamara out for the rest of the preseason, which is a tough break for a player already trying to get his footing again after a rough 2025 season. In 11 games last year, Kamara posted career lows across the board, finishing with 131 carries for 471 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown. His production as a receiver also dipped sharply, as he totaled 33 catches for 186 receiving yards and no scores.
With Kamara sidelined, New Orleans will have to turn to the rest of its backfield depth. The Saints signed former Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne in the offseason, and this injury should put him in line for the bulk of the first-team work as camp winds down.
The bigger concern now is what Kamara’s absence means for the start of the regular season. If the knee keeps him out into September, the Saints will need Etienne to handle a heavy load. For now, though, the team can at least take comfort in knowing Tuesday’s scare did not turn into a season-ending injury.
In Other News...
Saints Got An Early Warning Against A Serious NFC Contender
The joint practice in Los Angeles offered the Saints an early look at just how sharp the Rams can be when their offense is clicking. Matthew Stafford looked comfortable and efficient, with Davante Adams emerging as a clear problem for New Orleans to sort through, while tight end Terrance Ferguson and receivers Konata Mumpfield and Jordan Whittington also found ways to make plays. Puka Nacua was out, but the rest of the Rams' passing group still gave the Saints plenty to process.
There was some unevenness behind Stafford, with backup quarterbacks Stetson Bennett and Ty Simpson both working through rough stretches before settling in a bit, and Bennett appearing slightly ahead of Simpson. On the other side of the ball, Josaiah Stewart made his presence felt as a disruptive defender, while punter Ethan Evans had some accuracy concerns that stood out. For the Saints, it was the kind of practice that can be useful not just because of what was done well, but because it showed where a contender can still expose openings. [Read more 🡒]
Saints Suddenly Need More From Bryce Lance Than Expected
Bryce Lance did a little more than just take advantage of a busy joint practice against the Rams. The rookie receiver caught all five of his targets and hauled in two touchdown passes from Tyler Shough, a showing that stood out in a session where New Orleans was looking for signs of depth and reliability from its younger pass-catchers. Head coach Kellen Moore singled out Lances contested catches against talented defenders, a notable compliment for a player trying to carve out a larger role early.
The opportunity may be arriving sooner than the Saints expected. With Jordyn Tyson dealing with a hamstring injury that could keep him out for about two months, Lance suddenly looks like someone New Orleans may need to lean on in games, not just in practice. For a rookie, that shifts the conversation from development to responsibility, and it gives the Saints another reason to keep watching whether the flashes he showed against Los Angeles can carry over when the stakes rise. [Read more 🡒]
Saints Fans Will Recognize Plenty In Devin Neals New Number
As the Saints head toward their Sept. 13 opener against the Lions, Devin Neal is already carrying a number that will look familiar to long-time fans. The rookie running back, battling for the third spot in New Orleans backfield, will wear No. 24, a jersey that has had plenty of life in black and gold over the years.
It is a number with a traceable Saints history, worn by 25 other players before Neal. For fans who like connecting new names to old ones, it offers an easy little bridge between eras, especially with training camp roster battles still unfolding and the season opener still just ahead. [Read more 🡒]