Alvin Kamara is officially questionable for the Saints’ season opener at Detroit on Sunday, but he practiced fully on Friday after two limited sessions, a significant step for a running back whose MCL sprain originally looked likely to cost him the first month of the season.
Where Things Stand
Head coach Kellen Moore called Kamara questionable Friday and the team’s final injury report matched that. Kamara suffered the MCL sprain in an August 18 joint practice with the Cowboys, an injury that was initially expected to sideline him for at least a month. Saints insider Nick Underhill reported Thursday that Kamara is running roughly two weeks ahead of that schedule.
The combination of a full Friday practice and a questionable tag makes him a genuine game-time decision.
The Workload Question
Even if Kamara is active, New Orleans is not expected to hand him a full featured back workload in his first game back from a knee injury. Travis Etienne is in line to lead the backfield, with Kendre Miller taking change of pace work. For fantasy purposes, that makes Kamara a risky start even in the best case.
Kamara is 31 and missed the final six games of last season with a Grade 2 MCL sprain in the same area.
Who Else Is Out for New Orleans
Out: TE Oscar Delp (hamstring), RB Audric Estime (thigh), DE Cameron Jordan (hamstring). Nose tackle Davon Godchaux, who was held out Thursday for rest, returned as a full participant Friday. The tight end room is down to Juwan Johnson and Noah Fant on the active roster.
Detroit is close to full strength, with nickel corner Christian Izien (groin) the only Lion carrying a game status.
Related
Saints vs. Lions preview and odds · Full Week 1 injury report · Week 1 inactives · NFL games Sunday
The Bottom Line
Kamara is questionable but trending toward playing after a full Friday practice. Expect a limited role at best behind Travis Etienne, and wait for the inactives list before locking him into a lineup.