Can Alvin Kamara's efficiency rebound with lower touch volume?

The biggest question facing Saints RB Alvin Kamara for 2023 is the risk of suspension stemming from his still-lingering assault case. We'll almost certainly be waiting until at least August for any news on that front. But what can we expect whenever he is on the field? The veteran showed declines in both rushing and receiving efficiency over the past two years. Kamara rebounded some from a career-low 3.7 yards per carry in 2021 to 4.0 last year. Though his 14.9 carries per game (down from 18.5 in 2021) might still be more than ideal. Kamara finished each of the past two years 40th or worse in Football Outsiders' rushing DVOA and DYAR. His yards after contact per attempt matched the lowest rate of his career and ranked 46th among 61 RBs with 70+ carries, according to Pro Football Focus. Kamara also set career lows in PFF receiving grade each of the past two years, though even last season found him a decent 23rd among 61 RBs with 20+ targets. Volume has kept Kamara productive. He finished each of the past five years among the top 11 RBs in opportunity share (carries plus targets). The Saints signed RB Jamaal Williams and then drafted RB Kendre Miller in Round 3, so we should expect some dip in Kamara's touch volume. They also spent big, though, on QB Derek Carr. So Kamara could make up for any loss in touches if his efficiency rebounds, in an offense with room to rebound. An RB3-level ADP makes Kamara an intriguing bet for best ball drafts -- and a potential steal if he avoids suspension. Read more about him and the other Saints RBs in our 2023 RB rankings.

Saints RB Alvin Kamara (ankle) is inactive for today’s game vs. the Falcons. RB Kendre Miller (ankle, illness) is active for the first time since Week 9. The rookie figures to mix in a bit, but we’re expecting RB Jamaal Williams to handle the majority of the backfield work.

Saints RB Alvin Kamara (ankle) will not play vs. the Falcons today, according to insider Nick Underhill. The team held out hope that Kamara would improve enough over the weekend but he's evidently not well enough to suit up. Underhill also reports that RB Kendre Miller (ankle, illness) will be active today for the first time since Week 9. The rookie figures to mix in a bit, but we’re expecting RB Jamaal Williams to handle the majority of the backfield work.

Saints RB Alvin Kamara (ankle) remains a game-time decision for today's tilt with the Falcons, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. "He did very little this week. But they'll hold out hope," Rapoport adds. We're not projecting Kamara to play but will get New Orleans' inactives around 11:30 am ET. RB Jamaal Williams will take over lead duties if Kamara is out.

Saints RB Alvin Kamara (ankle) is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game vs. the Falcons. He didn’t practice all week, but HC Dennis Allen said Friday that they’ll wait until game day before making a final decision on Kamara’s status. His absence would leave Jamaal Williams as New Orleans’ lead back. RB Kendre Miller (ankle, illness) is also listed as questionable for Week 18.

Saints RB Alvin Kamara (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday. His injury doesn't seem overly serious, but Kamara is certainly in danger of missing this weekend's game vs. the Falcons. His absence would leave Jamaal Williams as New Orleans' lead back.