A week after making a surprise appearance at New Orleans Saints practice, running back Alvin Kamara was not present for the third and final Organized Team Activity session Wednesday afternoon in Metairie.
Kamara traditionally skips the voluntary OTA sessions, which made his participation last week raise some eyebrows as people searched for the deeper meaning after the team has spent much of the offseason taking a non-committal stance when asked whether the franchise’s all-time leading rusher is part of their 2026 plans.
Coach Kellen Moore maintained the status quo Wednesday when asked several questions about Kamara’s standing with the team, including one that asked him point blank whether Moore expected Kamara to be on the roster this season.
“That’s how you always prepare. He’s on the roster, we’re excited about him. … I’m excited to get him into the fold with Travis (Etienne), and I think it’s going to be a great opportunity.”
When presented a follow up question about Kamara’s contract, Moore referred to general manager Mickey Loomis, saying “that’s a fair discussion on the business side for (Kamara) and Mickey.”
In Kamara’s absence Wednesday, offseason acquisition Etienne handled the first-team running back duties while Audric Estime and Devin Neal split second-team reps. Fourth-year back Kendre Miller is still working his way back from an ACL injury, but did participate late in practice during a walk-through period.
Kamara has spent his entire nine-year career in New Orleans. He holds the franchise’s career marks in rushing (7,250), scrimmage yards (12,198) and total touchdowns (86) while making five Pro Bowl teams and winning 2017 Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.
Moore said he expects to see Kamara at next week’s mandatory veteran minicamp.
“I love Alvin,” Moore said. “It was good to see him. Obviously it was a great opportunity to spend a little time with him.”