Saints running back Alvin Kamara will be out for Sunday’s matchup at the Carolina Panthers after New Orleans placed the Pro Bowl running back on the NFL’s reserve/COVID-19 list Friday.
Kamara, who’s coming off an NFL record-tying six-touchdown performance against the Vikings on Christmas Day, leads the Saints in both rushing (932 yards) and receiving (756), leaving New Orleans with a lot production to replace as it looks to try and clinch a first-round bye in the NFC playoffs Sunday.
Without Kamara, the Saints will likely rely on running back Latavius Murray to lead their rushing attack. Murray has rushed for 656 yards and four touchdowns this season.
Murray has already proven to be able to carry the offensive load for the Saints in Kamara’s absence. In the two games Kamara missed last season, Murray rushed for 221 yards and three touchdowns and also caught 14 passes for 86 yards and a score.
The Saints will also likely rely on Veteran receiver Emmanuel Sanders, who ranks second on the team with 52 catches for 663 yards and four touchdowns.
The Saints could secure the the top seed in the NFC Playoffs with a win against the Panthers; they also need the Green Bay Packers (12-3) to lose to the Chicago Bears (8-7) and the Seattle Seahawks (11-4) to defeat the San Francisco 49ers (6-9).
