Alvin Kamara #41 of the New Orleans Saints
Alvin Kamara has long been the heart and soul of the New Orleans Saints’ offense, a dynamic playmaker capable of changing the course of a game with his explosiveness and versatility. But as the Saints push toward the end of a disappointing 2024 season, Kamara’s continued contributions may be in jeopardy — and possibly for the remainder of the year.
On Sunday, Kamara sustained a groin injury during the Saints’ game against the Washington Commanders, one that appears more severe than initially feared. Now, with just a few weeks left in the season, the Saints are holding their breath as they wait for the latest news on their star running back’s availability. The team has yet to confirm the exact severity, but interim head coach Darren Rizzi has expressed concern that Kamara may miss significant time — possibly even the rest of the 2024 campaign.
Kamara’s 2024: A Career Year on the Brink of a Tragic Finish
Despite playing for a Saints team that has largely underperformed this season, Kamara has had one of the best years of his career. Heading into Week 15, he leads the team in both rushing yards (950) and receiving yards (543), making it clear that he remains an elite dual-threat weapon, even as he pushes 30. Kamara has carried the offense on his back, especially with key players like Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, and Taysom Hill sidelined with injuries.
In many ways, Kamara’s 2024 season has been a quiet reclamation of his Pro Bowl form. He’s on the verge of a career milestone: his first-ever 1,000-yard rushing season. Having accumulated a career-high 950 yards on the ground, he was poised to break that barrier and add another accolade to his already impressive resume. However, this groin injury could ultimately prevent him from achieving that long-sought goal — and worse, it could mark the end of his season altogether.
Kamara’s Leadership and Commitment
Even though New Orleans’ season has faltered, Kamara’s leadership has remained unquestioned. When trade rumors swirled earlier in the year amid a 4-8 start, Kamara dismissed the speculation and continued to give his all for a team stuck in mediocrity. While his name has long been tied to potential trade talks, Kamara stayed committed to his role, showcasing the loyalty and professionalism that have defined his career.
However, with the Saints’ playoff chances all but dashed, losing Kamara for any amount of time would be a devastating blow to an already depleted offense. The Saints, who have struggled with consistency at the quarterback position and have faced a myriad of injuries at wide receiver and tight end, have leaned on Kamara more than ever this year. His ability to stretch the field as both a rusher and a receiver has been one of the few bright spots in an otherwise dark season.
Next Man Up: Jamaal Williams and Kendre Miller’s Time to Shine
If Kamara is unable to play in the coming weeks — or worse, if he is done for the season — the Saints will turn to veteran Jamaal Williams and second-year player Kendre Miller to carry the load in the backfield. Williams, who has been largely ineffective this season but has a solid track record, will likely take over as the primary ball carrier. Miller, a promising young back, has shown flashes of potential and could see an increased role in Kamara’s absence.
However, replacing Kamara’s production won’t be easy. The Saints may have a pair of capable backups, but neither has the same combination of skills that Kamara brings to the table. Kamara’s rare ability to be both a workhorse rusher and a reliable receiving threat out of the backfield is something New Orleans may not be able to replicate, no matter who fills in.
What’s Next for the Saints?
While Kamara’s injury is a major setback, it is also a reminder of the uncertain future facing both him and the Saints. With the team staring down the barrel of a lost season, the organization must ask itself whether it’s time to make changes. Could Kamara’s potential absence signal the end of an era in New Orleans? The team may need to consider the possibility of moving on from some of its aging stars to usher in a new chapter, particularly if 2024 proves to be a lost cause.
For now, though, all eyes will be on Kamara’s recovery. The Saints and their fans can only hope that their star back will be able to return to action before it’s too late — and, perhaps more importantly, that he will have a chance to finish what has been a remarkable individual season on a high note.
As the Saints prepare for Monday night’s game without Kamara, they’ll be holding their breath and hoping for the best, but the reality is clear: New Orleans’ playoff hopes, as well as Kamara’s future, hang in the balance.
