The New Orleans Saints have taken another hit to their offense as running back Alvin Kamara is unlikely to play Monday in Week 16 against the Packers in Green Bay with a groin injury, interim coach Darren Rizzi said Thursday.
Meanwhile, Rizzi said rookie Spencer Rattler once again start at quarterback for the injured Derek Carr (hand) against the Packers pushing Jake Haener back to his backup role.
Kamara left the Saints’ Week 15 loss to Washington in the second half. He’s been the most stable piece to the team’s offense in 2024 with 950 rushing yards and six touchdowns, along with 68 receptions for 548 yards and three TDs.
This only adds to the list of injured skill position players with Taysom Hill, Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed missing from the Saints’ offensive lineup because of injuries.
Rattler, the 2024 fifth-round pick, will take over after Haener struggled mightily in his first NFL start last week against the Washington Commanders. Rattler replaced Haener at the onset of the second half and nearly helped the Saints pull off an upset before falling 20-19. Rattler started three games earlier this season following another Carr injury. The team went 0-3 during Rattler’s starts.
What’s next for Kamara
Kamara earned every bit of the contract extension he received earlier this season and showed there’s still a good bit left in the tank for the veteran tailback. In an offense that stagnated much of 2024, the 2017 third-round pick provided as much firepower as anyone within the Saints offense. The Saints will turn more heavily to second-round running back Kendre Miller for as long as Kamara misses time, which might be the rest of the season. But Kamara should still remain a focal point for the Saints offense next season.
Expectations for Rattler
I know Saints fans are happy Rattler is taking the starting nod instead of Haener. Rattler brought some needed juice in Week 15, even if he still looked plenty erratic at times. Haener had no business playing anymore after a dreadful first half, so turning to Rattler makes complete sense. But there’s no doubt that Saints fans are hoping Rattler will make a strong impression in his second run as the starter. Rattler faces quite the task, though, in Green Bay on Monday. But with games left against the Las Vegas Raiders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, maybe Rattler can display some improvement.
Required reading
- NFL Week 16 playoff scenarios: Ravens, Broncos, Packers can clinch berths; Chiefs closing in on AFC’s top seed
- NFL Week 16 picks against the spread: Caleb Williams will keep it close against Lions
(Photo: Jonathan Bachman / Getty Images)
