Not only will the New Orleans Saints be starting a rookie quarterback with only three career starts, but Darren Rizzi’s team is unlikely to have star running back Alvin Kamara on Monday night against the Green Bay Packers.
Rizzi said Kamara is dealing with a significant groin injury coming out of last week and is unlikely to play against the Packers, per Nick Underhill. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the injury is still being evaluated but Kamara’s 2024 season might be over with three weeks to go.
Kamara has 950 rushing yards, 68 receptions, eight total touchdowns and 1,493 total yards this season. He leads the team in all four categories.
Last week, Kamara caught a touchdown pass and had 70 total yards on nine touches.
Kamara’s backup is Kendre Miller, who has rushed 28 times for 130 yards and a touchdown this season. He is averaging 4.6 yards per carry with a success rate of 57.1.
Kamara, a five-time Pro Bowler, has been a Packer killer in his NFL career. Over three games against the Packers, Kamara has produced 198 rushing yards, 197 receiving yards and three total touchdowns.
The Saints will be severely depleted on offense entering Monday night. Not only is Kamara unlikely to play, but Derek Carr is out with a hand injury and Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed and Taysom Hill are on injured reserve.
Considering the injury situation, the Saints may need to rely heavily on former Packers Jamaal Williams and Marquez Valdes-Scantling at Lambeau Field on Monday night. Williams has carried only 35 times this season, and Valdes-Scantling — who arrived midseason — has 14 catches for 352 yards and four touchdowns.
