Saints RB Alvin Kamara has been sidelined since leaving the Week 12 game vs. the Falcons with knee and ankle injuries. Kamara hasn't practiced since the injury, including missing all three practices this week.
Below, we'll take a look at the latest Alvin Kamara injury update for Week 15 vs. the Panthers. We’ll also break down key stats and PrizePicks picks for Saints RB Devin Neal, who is expected to lead the Saints backfield on Sunday.
Alvin Kamara Injury Update: Is Kamara Playing This Week vs. Panthers?
Saints starting RB Alvin Kamara has officially been ruled out for Week 15 vs. the Panthers; it will be his third straight game sidelined. In his place, the Saints are expected to start 2025 fifth-round pick Devin Neal in the backfield.
It has been a disappointing season for Kamara even prior to his injury.
Through 11 games, he was on pace for just 727 rushing yards (42.8 yards per game) and 287 yards receiving (16.9 per game). Both would be career low marks for him. The 30-year-old also has only 1 TD this season, which came in Week 1 vs. the Cardinals.
Kamara signed a two-year, $24.5 million dollar contract extension with the Saints in 2024, keeping him on the team through the 2026 season.
In 2024, Kamara combined for 1,493 rushing and receiving yards in 14 games; but it’s fair to wonder if this downturn in production (657 yards in 11 games), coupled with crossing the 30-year-old mark, could spell the end of his nine-season tenure in New Orleans.
Either way, it would benefit the Saints to keep looking ahead to the future and see what they have in Neal, their 22-year-old rookie RB.
Is Devin Neal Starting in Week 15 vs. Panthers?
If Weeks 12-14 are any indication, Neal should pick up the bulk of the Saints’ rushing load vs. the Panthers.
When Kamara went down with an injury in Week 12, Neal had 7 carries for 18 yards to go along with 5 receptions for 43 yards on 7 targets. The Saints were in a negative game script for most of the 24-10 loss to the Falcons, which is why Neal saw more receiving work.
In Week 13, Neal ran for 47 yards on 14 carries vs. a Dolphins team that ranks second in expected points added (EPA) per rush since Week 8.
His best performance came in Week 14 vs the Bucs' top-five ranked defense in EPA, rushing for 70 yards on 19 carries, helping the Saints pull off the upset for their third win of the season.
Neal has been limited in practice this week with an abdomen injury, but after a full practice on Friday, he should lead the Saints backfield again on Sunday.
The Panthers have the 24th-ranked run defense in EPA. Over the last two weeks, the Panthers gave up 152 yards on the ground to Rams running backs and 147 yards to 49ers backs.
Devin Neal Stats, Projections vs. Panthers
Here are the most popular Devin Neal picks for Panthers vs. Saints on Sunday, via PrizePicks, where you can pick More or Less on player stats to win real money in every NFL game.
- 13.5 Attempts
- 51.5 Rush Yards
- 0.5 Rush+Rec TDs (Demon)
- 3.5 Receptions (Demon)
- 17.5 Receiving Yards
- 11.5 Yards Longest Rush
- 10.5 Yards Longest Reception
Make Week 15 Picks on PrizePicks
The Saints will be without Alvin Kamara for Sunday's Week 15 game vs. the Carolina Panthers — his third straight game out of the lineup. In his place, we’ll see rookie RB Devin Neal look to follow up his 70-yard rushing performance in Week 14.
Without Kamara, there are still plenty of Saints vs. Panthers picks on PrizePicks. Just pick at least two NFL player stat projections, predict More or Less on their stats, and cash in if you’re right!
Check out the Playbook throughout the season for more NFL picks, predictions, and news every day.
