Archive · 19 Aug 2026
Alvin Kamara MCL Sprain Sidelined At Least One Month
Alvin Kamara is a running back for the New Orleans Saints.
He hurt a ligament on the inside of his knee called the MCL.
The team expects him to miss at least four weeks.
Doctors will work on reducing swelling and helping his knee become stable again.
The Saints have not said exactly when he will return.
Kamara’s absence is a challenge because the team’s running-back group is already dealing with injuries.
Audric Estime is still out, while Kendre Miller and Devin Neal have returned to practice.
The Saints also recently signed another expensive running back, Travis Etienne Jr. Kamara had fewer yards and touchdowns last season than in previous years.
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara suffered an MCL sprain and is expected to miss at least four weeks.
The Saints have not announced a firm return date, leaving open the possibility of a longer absence.
Kamara’s 2026 reworked contract includes a $6 million base salary and incentives that could raise earnings to $8.5 million.
New Orleans also signed Travis Etienne Jr. to a four-year contract averaging more than $12 million annually during the first three seasons.
The Saints’ backfield is thin, with Audric Estime injured while Kendre Miller and Devin Neal recently returned to practice.
- Who
- Alvin Kamara, the New Orleans Saints’ 31-year-old running back, is the injured player.
- What
- Kamara suffered an MCL sprain and is expected to miss at least one month.
- When
- The injury occurred during the preseason; the article does not give an exact date. The Saints expect a minimum absence of four weeks.
- Where
- The injury involved Kamara’s knee while he was with the New Orleans Saints; the article does not specify the exact location where it happened.
- Why
- Kamara must rehabilitate the MCL sprain, while the injury creates an early challenge for the Saints’ 2026 backfield.
- Player
- Alvin Kamara
- Team
- New Orleans Saints
- Injury
- MCL sprain
- Minimum absence
- At least four weeks
- 2026 base salary
- $6 million
- Potential 2026 earnings
- Up to $8.5 million with incentives
- Recent production
- 471 rushing yards, 186 receiving yards, and one total touchdown last season