The Saints’ most valuable player is out for Week 17.
New Orleans put running back Alvin Kamara on the reserve / COVID-19 list, the team announced on Friday. Kamara tested positive for COVID-19 and will be in Week 17 vs Panthers, said Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network.
If Kamara remains asymptomatic and obtains medical clearance, he will be able to play an NFC Wild Card Weekend game on Sunday, January 10, but not on Saturday, January 9, Pelissero said. Thus, the NFL’s next playoff schedule can determine Kamara’s game status.
Kamara will not be able to train next week, Pelissero reported.
Kamara’s initial positive COVID-19 swab was Thursday, which makes January 10 the earliest he could return, as a positive test requires a 10-day window.
Kamara is a big part of the New Orleans attack, accumulating 1,688 multifunctional yards and 21 touchdowns in 2020.
He is the second saint on the list this week, joining security Chauncey Gardner-Johnson.