This could be a real problem. Alvin Kamara left the New Orleans Saints’ win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a sprained ankle and didn’t return to action after halftime, and there’s a real chance he won’t be available when they kick off the regular season finale with the Atlanta Falcons in Week 18. NewOrleans.Football’s Nick Underhill repots that Kamara “is truly day to day.”`
When discussing Kamara’s status with reporters Sunday evening, Saints head coach Dennis Allen said: “So he sprained his ankle, I think it was on their sideline before the half. Kind of came in, got it looked at, came out after the half to try to test it out, and didn’t look he was going to be functional enough to help us win. I don’t know (whether it’s a high-ankle sprain), I haven’t gotten all the details as to what it is.”
If Kamara can’t go, the Saints are awfully shorthanded at running back. Rookie draft pick Kendre Miller has a chance to return this week but he hasn’t played since Week 9 due to his own ankle injury. Veteran backup Jamaal Williams had his most productive game in Kamara’s absence against the Buccaneers. Jordan Mims and James Robinson are options on the practice squad.
It’s also possible New Orleans could sign a player from another team to round out the depth chart — their former backup Tony Jones Jr. could be signed from the Arizona Cardinals practice squad — but no matter how you look at it, it’s an unsteady situation. And it looks like a tough matchup for an Atlanta defense that has played the run well this season. The Falcons are tied for the third-fewest touchdown runs (9) while ranking top-10 in yards allowed per carry (4.0). The Saints need all hands on deck.