Cam Jordan and Alvin Kamara were the biggest injury questions going into the New Orleans Saints season opener. After the first practice of the week, the two questions seemed destined to have different answers. Kellen Moore has already ruled Jordan out versus the Detroit Lions, while Kamara seems ready to give fans a glimpse of the two headed monster with Travis Etienne.
Let's not get too far ahead of ourselves. It isn't a foregone conclusion that Kamara will play, especially since he was only a limited participant in practice. Let NewOrleans.Football's Nick Underhill tell it though, Kamara didn't show any signs of being injured in his return to practice.
That certainly makes it sound like Kamara is trending towards playing in Week 1. The original timeline of at least a month would have kept him out of the opener and potentially Week 2 as well. If the running back is able to return for the opener, he would have smoked expectations, and the Saints will be better because of it.
Alvin Kamara's return will maximize Kellen Moore's vision
Part of the reason Kamara returning to practice is a big deal is Kamara as an individual. The other part of the excitement comes from how he fits into the larger picture of the Saints offense. Etienne is the new shiny toy and lead running back in the backfield, but Kamara is much more than an accessory.
Kamara coming back gives Kellen Moore a chance maximize his offense in a way that no other running back could. Kamara and Etienne as a pair is what makes the position one of the strongest on the team and gives the Saints a lot of flexibility.
Kamara is the best receiving back on this team, and it's important to note that he doesn't have to be in the backfield to impact the game through the air. We've seen Kamara play in the slot, and fans have been asking for him to see more time in the slot. The addition of Etienne gives Kamara a chance to do just that.
It's also a way to get two running backs on the field in unique ways. Kamara being able to play in the slot and be a threat just gives the Saints more tricks up their sleeve.
Moore could put both Kamara and Etienne in the backfield together, Etienne in the backfield and Kamara lined up as a receiver, or start in one of the looks then motion to the other. The defense would have to naturally respect it all because Kamara is a threat in each way. He's also an option on jet sweeps.
The Saints could have a 1-2 punch with Etienne and Kendre Miller, but the versatility Kamara brings in the passing game, in addition to his ability as a runner, is what takes this duo to the next level. It's what makes them dangerous, and it's what allows Moore to maximize his vision for the offense.
The duo are strong as individuals, but the pairing of Etienne and Kamara is why fans are convinced that the Saints will have their best rushing attack in years. It could also lead to one of the most productive and diverse offenses in years.
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