Alvin Kamara Dodges Bullet: Major Knee Injury Ruled Out
Saints Star Alvin Kamara Hurt in Scrappy Practice with Cowboys
What Happened at Practice?
Imagine two teams getting together for a big practice session before the real games start. That’s called a joint practice. On Tuesday, the Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints had one of these sessions, and things got very heated.
Important Callout
Joint practices often get intense! Since teams don’t hit each other in regular practice, tempers can flare when they face a new opponent. Fights break out almost every year during these sessions.
During all the pushing and shoving, the Saints’ star running back, Alvin Kamara, went down with a knee injury.
The Good News & The Bad News
The Good News (Silver Lining)
According to reporter Nick Underhill, Kamara dodged a disaster.
- No torn ligaments (the strong rubber bands that hold your knee together)
- No major structural damage
- Surgery is not needed
The Bad News (The Reality)
Even without a major tear, knee injuries need time to heal.
- Kamara is expected to miss a few weeks
- He will likely sit out the rest of the preseason
- The Saints must be careful with their veteran star
Who Is Alvin Kamara? (The "Why He Matters" Section)
If you’re new to football, here is why Saints fans are holding their breath:
- Five-Time Pro Bowler: Voted one of the best at his position five different years.
- Incredible Stats: In 9 seasons, he has gained 12,198 total yards (running + catching) and scored 86 touchdowns.
- Draft History: Picked in the 3rd Round in 2017 (a steal for that round!).
- Contract Status: He recently reworked his contract to stay in New Orleans.
Quick Confusion Check
The original report mentioned Kamara is the "backup to Travis Etienne." Heads up: Travis Etienne plays for the Jacksonville Jaguars, not the Saints. Kamara is the undisputed starter for New Orleans. This was likely a mix-up in the source report!
What Happens Next? (Step-by-Step)
- Rest & Rehab: Kamara starts physical therapy immediately to reduce swelling and regain strength.
- Weekly Check-ins: Doctors will test his knee stability every few days.
- Preseason Sidelining: He will almost certainly not play in the remaining fake games (preseason).
- Week 1 Target: The goal is to be 100% ready for Week 1 of the regular season (the games that count).
- Plan B Activation: In the meantime, other Saints running backs (like Jamaal Williams or Kendre Miller) get valuable practice reps.
Summary
The Cowboys-Saints joint practice turned into a wrestling match. In the chaos, Alvin Kamara—one of the NFL’s best all-around running backs—hurt his knee. The best-case scenario happened structurally (no tears), but he will still be sidelined for weeks. The Saints will play it safe with their franchise player, aiming to have him fresh for when the real season kicks off.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
What is a "joint practice"?
It’s when two NFL teams practice together instead of against their own teammates. It saves wear and tear but gets very competitive—often leading to fights.
Why is "no torn ligaments" such a big deal?
Torn ligaments (like an ACL or MCL tear) usually require surgery and 6–12 months of recovery. Avoiding this turns a potential season-ender into a few-week absence.
Who will replace Kamara while he’s out?
The Saints have Jamaal Williams (a powerful veteran) and Kendre Miller (a young, speedy 2023 draft pick). They will split the work in practice and preseason games.
Will this affect the Saints’ regular season?
Probably not. Missing preseason is actually common for veterans. As long as he is healthy for Week 1, the impact is near zero.
Why did the report say he is a "backup to Travis Etienne"?
That appears to be an error in the original report. Travis Etienne is the star RB for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Alvin Kamara is the starter for the New Orleans Saints.