New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara has been the offensive cornerstone for nine seasons, serving as both a workhorse runner and a reliable receiver. But after a recent injury setback, fans are asking the same question: When will the star back return to the field?
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When Will Alvin Kamara Return to the Saints’ Lineup?
The five-time Pro Bowler suffered leg and knee injuries during a Week 12 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, forcing an early exit. After a few weeks of recovery, head coach Kellen Moore provided an update on Kamara’s status to writer Mike Triplett.
Moore explained that Kamara, along with other injured players, will be listed as questionable. Their participation depends entirely on how they respond to treatment throughout the week, and the coach offered no exact timetable for a return.
While the Saints will miss the playoffs during the 2025-26 campaign, Moore still hopes to see his star back in the lineup. Since Kamara’s exit, New Orleans has lost twice and won once, including last Sunday’s upset over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
One bright spot in a tough season has been rookie Devin Neal. He and Kamara share a 3.6 yards per carry average, but Neal has excelled as a receiver. He has caught 88.9% of his targets on 21 fewer attempts compared to Kamara’s 84.6%, per Pro Football Reference.
Meanwhile, the veteran has struggled throughout the year. PFSN’s RB Impact score ranked him 40th in the league. That marginal difference could decide a third-down conversion versus a punt. Close games often boil down to a couple of plays that change the complexion of the contest, and for a struggling franchise like the Saints, the margin for error remains far lower.
What Does Kamara’s Contract Situation Mean for the Future?
Explosive plays mark Kamara’s career, but also include injury concerns. Despite five Pro Bowls, he has never reached 1,000 rushing yards in a single season, even with a career 4.3-yard average. Annual injuries have sidelined him for 12 games across four seasons, stalling team momentum, and the Saints have gone 24-40 in their last 64 games.
Additionally, Kamara’s age and contract, with a $11.5 million salary and an $18.3 million dead cap, leave little financial flexibility for New Orleans. Kamara aims to return this season, and while the remaining games are crucial for draft position, Moore and his staff want to assess the team’s needs for the offseason and their hopes of returning to the playoffs.
When healthy, Kamara pressures defenses as a versatile back, but whether he returns to form remains uncertain. This Sunday, the Saints host the Carolina Panthers in an NFC South matchup, leaving observers to wonder if Kamara fits into the organization’s long-term plans.