Is Alvin Kamara playing today? Saints RB's status revealed for Week 15 clash vs. Commanders
Alvin Kamara has been one of the New Orleans Saints' primary offensive weapons ever since they drafted him in the third round in 2017. Now in his eighth year, he has become the franchise's all-time leading rusher and a multiple-time Pro Bowler, despite never rushing for 1,000 yards in a single season.
Since Drew Brees retired after the 2020 season, the team has not made the playoffs, though they came close in 2021 and 2023 with 9-8 records. In 2024, they lost seven straight, fired their head coach, and are now teetering on the brink of elimination.
However, that has not stopped Kamara from being productive, and the Saints will need his performance again in a crucial matchup against the Washington Commanders.
Alvin Kamara's injury update
On Friday, it was announced that Alvin Kamara had been removed from the injury list and would be ready to play. He had been sidelined from practice until Friday with an illness.
His return is good news for the Saints, who need all the offensive production they can get with quarterback Derek Carr potentially missing the rest of the season due to a broken hand.
His young backups, Jake Haener (who will start for the first time as a pro) and Spencer Rattler (who has already lost three starts), are not expected to be game-changers.
Alvin Kamara proving to be a rare primary option in increasingly WR-dominated NFL
In the 21st century, multiple rule changes limiting defensive contact have led to an explosion in passing offenses, consequently increasing the value of wide receivers.
Still, Alvin Kamara remains one of the few running backs proving just as valuable in the air as he is on the ground.
In Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys, he continued his trend of catching at least one touchdown per year.
He also leads all running backs in receiving yards with 485 and is one of only two players in the top 10 in rushing yards to not have lost a fumble (his team recovered his only fumble). The other is Bijan Robinson.
Kickoff for the Commanders-Saints game is at 1 p.m. ET/noon CT.