Saints Rule Out Kamara for Week 13 but Keep Door Open for His Return

The New Orleans Saints will head into Week 13 shorthanded, missing one of the franchise’s most accomplished players. Running back Alvin Kamara, the organization’s all-time leader in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns, has been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins. Despite the setback, the Saints are signaling optimism about his availability later in the year.

First-year head coach Kellen Moore confirmed the club does not intend to place Kamara on injured reserve, a move that would have sidelined him for at least four games. Instead, New Orleans appears willing to wait out the veteran’s recovery and reassess his status in the coming weeks. That decision suggests the Saints believe Kamara’s 2025 season is not over yet.

Kamara’s year has been a challenging one, marked by inconsistent production and multiple lower-body issues. Although the team extended him on a two-year deal last season, questions continue to linger about how the 30-year-old fits into a roster clearly shifting toward a long-term rebuild. Still, Kamara has expressed a desire to finish what he started in New Orleans.

His immediate future, however, involves rehabilitation rather than carries. With the former Pro Bowler sidelined after a knee injury suffered against Atlanta, New Orleans will enter a difficult matchup without its most experienced offensive playmaker.

1. Kamara’s Season in Context

Kamara has navigated a difficult campaign that has been defined by durability concerns and diminishing efficiency. His 3.6 yards per carry underscores a noticeable dip in explosiveness, the type of regression many running backs face as they near a decade in the league. Lower-body injuries have also limited his availability and consistency. Despite those challenges, he remains a central figure in the franchise’s identity. His two-year extension was designed to keep him in New Orleans through the transition to a younger core, though the fit has become less certain as the team leans into a full rebuild. The balance between honoring a veteran star and building for the future remains a delicate one. Kamara, for his part, has been vocal about wanting to stay. He has strong ties to the city and organization, and his contributions over the years have cemented him as one of the most beloved players in recent Saints history. The question now is whether sentiment and practicality can coexist. For the moment, the Saints are approaching the situation with caution. Rest and evaluation will determine whether Kamara can return in December and contribute meaningfully before the season concludes.

2. Adjusting Without Their Veteran Back

The immediate challenge for New Orleans is filling Kamara’s workload against a Miami team fighting to stay in the AFC mix. The coaching staff is expected to lean heavily on rookie running back Devin Neal, who could see the largest role of his young career. His performance may influence how the Saints approach the position down the line. New Orleans has struggled to generate rhythm offensively this season, making the loss of its most seasoned playmaker even more significant. Kamara’s absence removes a reliable outlet in the passing game and a stabilizing presence in early-down situations. The Saints’ offensive identity has been fluid throughout the year, with injuries and inconsistency affecting both personnel and scheme. Without Kamara, Moore and his staff will need to emphasize efficiency and ball security to stay competitive. Defensively, New Orleans has kept the team in games, but the offense’s limited production has made the margin for error slim. The Saints know that improving on that front becomes even more difficult without their star running back.

3. Long-Term Implications

While Sunday’s matchup is the immediate concern, the broader questions surrounding Kamara’s future remain unresolved. At 30, with significant wear at a punishing position, the timeline for sustained productivity is limited. The organization may need to weigh the value of his leadership and experience against a youth-driven rebuild. Kamara’s desire to remain in New Orleans could factor heavily into offseason decisions. His connection with the community and standing as one of the franchise’s most decorated players add layers of complexity to any potential transition. The Saints must determine how to honor that legacy while preparing for the next phase of their roster construction. In the short term, his attempt to return before the end of the season could help inform the team’s approach. A productive finish might reinforce the case for keeping him involved in 2026. Conversely, if injuries persist, the Saints may look to accelerate their shift to younger personnel. Regardless of how the final weeks unfold, both Kamara and the organization will be navigating an uncertain future once the offseason arrives.