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Alvin Kamara remains optimistic while in concussion protocol

By Brad Berreman

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 07: Alvin Kamara #41 of the New Orleans Saints warms up prior to facing the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 7, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 07: Alvin Kamara #41 of the New Orleans Saints warms up prior to facing the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 7, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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After exiting last Thursday night’s game early, Saints running back Alvin Kamara is optimistic about his status for Week 15.

The momentum shifted early in last Thursday night’s game when Saints running back Alvin Kamara left the game with a head injury. He had already tallied four touches and 27 total yards on the first drive and he never returned. So the Saints dynamic backfield duo became a solo act, and New Orleans lost to the Atlanta Falcons 20-17.

A long week between games would seem to give Kamara a good chance to play Week 15. He’s still in concussion protocol, but according to Josh Katzenstein of the New Orleans Times-Picayune, the rookie out of Tennessee expects to play against the New York Jets on Sunday.

Kamara’s optimism is hardly a surprise. But almost immediately after Thursday night’s game was over, he took to Twitter to suggest he won’t miss any more time.

https://twitter.com/A_kamara6/status/939026741732917248

Kamara still has to be cleared to practice, first on a limited basis and then he can progress to full participation. So Wednesday-Friday will be important days this week, and his progress (or lack thereof) will be telling of his status for Sunday’s game.

Kamara has been a find for the Saints this year, particularly after Adrian Peterson was traded, with 1,247 total yards (608 rushing), 62 receptions and 11 total touchdowns (seven rushing, four receiving). His absence for most of Week 14 probably cost his fantasy football owners a win in the playoffs, and the New Orleans offense was clearly missing something.

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The Saints are atop the NFC South at 9-4 with two wins over the Carolina Panthers in hand, but they need to keep winning to keep themselves in the NFC playoff race. Sunday’s game against the Jets just got a lot easier, with quarterback Josh McCown (broken hand) out for the season, so Kamara’s presence might not be important if there’s any doubt about his health. But a Christmas Eve rematch against with Falcons looms very large for the Saints, and Kamara will be needed for that game if he is physically able.

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