New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara was sidelined during his team’s 23-13 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fourth quarter after sustaining an ankle injury.
Kamara had a productive start, rushing 10 times for 45 yards in the first quarter. However, he headed to the locker room during the second quarter and did not return to the game.
In his absence, backup running back Jamaal Williams stepped in, filling Kamara’s role after Kendre Miller was already ruled out before kickoff.
“He sprained his ankle, I think it was on the sideline over there … in the first half, right before the end of the half, when he got tackled on their sideline over there,” explained coach Dennis Allen after the Saints’ victory.
“Kind of came in, got it looked at, came out after the half to try to test it out and just didn’t feel like he was going to be able to be functional enough to help us win.”
Alvin Kamara (Credits: NFL)
Allen indicated uncertainty about the severity of the injury, mentioning that it’s unclear if it’s a high ankle sprain.
Kamara was one of three Saints players who were unable to finish the game due to injuries. Offensive lineman Landon Young (knee) and linebacker Nephi Sewell (knee) also left the field with injuries and did not return.
Tight end Juwan Johnson briefly exited with a shoulder injury but was able to resume play.
Before his injury, Kamara achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first player in franchise history to surpass 10,000 career yards from scrimmage.
Next week, the Saints will face the Atlanta Falcons at home in their regular-season finale. Despite the setbacks, they remain in contention for the NFC South title.
