Alvin Kamara‘s ankle and knee injuries will prevent him from suiting up in Week 7. The Saints have ruled out their standout running back, per Katherine Terrell of The Athletic (on Twitter).
The third-year back did not practice this week. Kamara was questionable for Week 6 with an ankle ailment but played. This latest issue, believed to be a high ankle-type problem, will sideline him. This means Latavius Murray will start against the Bears. The Saints will also be without Jared Cook, who is also dealing with an ankle malady.
Kamara has already amassed 649 scrimmage yards. The third-year Saint is ahead of his pace from his first two dynamic seasons. A free agent addition to replace Mark Ingram, Murray has 205 yards from scrimmage. He’s averaging 4.3 yards per tote for the 5-1 Saints, who are seeking their fifth straight win without Drew Brees.
The other key free agent the Saints added to their skill-position corps this offseason, Cook will miss his first game since the 2016 season. The 32-year-old tight end is behind the pace he set with the Raiders last season. Through six games, Cook has recorded 15 receptions for 168 yards and two touchdowns. Longtime Saint Josh Hill and journeyman Brian Parker are the other tight ends on New Orleans’ roster.