New Orleans Saints feel good about Alvin Kamara’s Wild Card availability

The New Orleans Saints were without Alvin Kamara in Week 17, and they’re hopeful that he’ll be back for the team’s Wild Card matchup this weekend.

With a positive test, Alvin Kamara was held out of the team’s season finale against the Carolina Panthers. The Saints lit the Panthers up en route to ending the season with a 12-4 record. They were also a perfect 8-0 against the NFC South.

However, none of that will matter to them if they can’t take down the Chicago Bears in the Wild Card round. The Saints ended with the No. 2 seed, only behind the Green Bay Packers, meaning Chicago will have the No. 7 seed.

A key in getting them into a winning position will largely depend on if four-time Pro Bowler Alvin Kamara is back or not. Kamara returning will only be possible if he achieves that positive test, but the hope that he’ll return is there.

“NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports that the Saints are optimistic they’ll have Kamara back for the postseason opener versus Chicago,” NFL.com’s Kevin Patra wrote.

Prior to missing the game against Carolina, Kamara tied a 91-year-old NFL record for six rushing touchdowns in a game. He also put up 155 yards, more than any back-to-back game combined this season.

Kamara went off, and he showed just how important he can be. While the team did manage well with versatile back Ty Montgomery in Week 17, they’ll need Kamara as the Bears’ defensive front is no joke.

This season, Kamara was elected to his fourth straight Pro Bowl. He’s displayed both a pass-catching and rushing dynamic that is just not matched throughout the league. Kamara has been that good.

That said, the Saints will look forward to getting Michael Thomas back.

They’ll also have a reasonably healthy roster outside of those on the Covid-19 list. If they can get their full roster healthy, it’ll be a huge plus as the Saints will enter the postseason with a high chance at making and winning the Super Bowl.