Alvin Kamara Safe To Start This Week?
Alvin Kamara Safe To Start This Week?
The New Orleans Saints hit the jackpot this year with third round pick Alvin Kamara. The former Tennessee running back has been an electric playmaker on the field this season as the Saints have focused more on running the ball.
But he was knocked out of the game early last week with a concussion. He says he expects to play this week against the New York Jets.
So—is he safe to start?
Players always think they are going to get cleared and play. So him saying he’ll be good to go mean nothing. Every player is eager to get off the injury report and thinks he’s coming off sooner than he is. But since the Saints last played on a Thursday night, he’ll have had ten days to recover.
It would not be unusual for him to be cleared. But that does not mean he’ll be a safe start against the Jets.
Why not?
The Jets are not one of the better teams in the NFL this season, but their defense has been tough (despite being ranked 21st in total yards allowed). While they may be 21st against the run and allowing an average of 116 yards/game, they have only allowed one 100+ yard rusher this season (LeSean McCoy, Week Two).
Also, in an effort to protect Kamara, the Saints may give Mark Ingram a few additional carries. Fewer touches typically means fewer yards. But he’s gone for 100+ all-purpose yards every week (except the last) since Week Nine despite getting no more than 17 touches a game.
But….
With the Jets offense expected to struggle with Bryce Petty at the helm, it would not be shocking to see the Saints get out to a significant lead early on. If that happens, they could very well run the ball for whatever time remains which means additional carries for the running backs.
That could mean additional touches and opportunities for Kamara to make magic happen. Or it could mean more grunt work for Ingram.
Wait and see if he gets cleared first, but even if he does, you may be better off going with someone else this week.
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