The New Orleans Saints lost Alvin Kamara to a knee injury that will sideline him for the forseeable future. It isn't season ending, but it will take a few weeks to recovers. Now, the lead back role gets shifted to rookie running back Devin Neal.
Taysom Hill and Audric Estime are the other rushing threats, and it'll be interesting to see how Kellen Moore divides the touches. Neal is a suitable replacement to fill in for Kamara, and he should lead the pack in the meantime. He hasn't had tons of opportunity in 2025 but has thrived when given the chance.
Neal will be the latest Saints rookie to get increased opportunities. Tyler Shough, Jonas Sanker, Quincy Riley have all played significant roles this season. Neal should join that list, as Kellen Moore should lean on him to take a bigger load these next few weeks.
Devin Neal can lead the rushing attack… if given the opportunity
Neal is capable of carrying the Saints rushing attack until Kamara returns if Kellen Moore gives him the opportunity too. Moore’s usage of the run game has been inconsistent, especially if they are in a deficit early.
This past week, the Saints went down in the first quarter and went away from the ground game, unless it was Taysom Hill.Tyler Shough attempted 43 passes on Sunday and Taysom Hill led the charge with a team high 10 rushes. The entire offense has been contingent on Shough’s performance recently. It’s imperative that they lean on Neal and take some pressure off the rookie quarterback.
Neal and Audric Estime are the lone healthy running backs on the roster. They lack a speedy, dynamic threat at the position with both of them being primarily power backs, but Neal offers a bit more explosiveness. It’s also worth mentioning they have Evan Hull on the practice squad.
The Saints will be without Alvin Kamara for the foreseeable future after an unfortunate, yet not season-ending injury, on Sunday. The starting back now falls to rookie running back Devin Neal. The Saints should lean on him to take pressure off of Tyler Shough.