New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) runs against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half at Caesars Superdome.
Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
The New Orleans Saints are gearing up for a huge Week 1 contest. New Orleans travels to Detroit to open the 2026 season, giving them a huge test right out of the gates. Unfortunately, the Saints will be without one important offensive weapon ahead of the season opener.
Saints running back Alvin Kamara is not expected to play against the Lions in Week 1, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Kamara is questionable on the injury report with an MCL sprain. He was a full participant late in the week at practice. Kamara initially “had a shot” to play against the Lions when the injury report released on Friday. However, he is not quite ready to make his 2026 debut.
This injury news will put a lot of pressure on Travis Etienne Jr. and Kendre Miller to anchor New Orleans' running game in Week 1.
Injuries continue to stack up for New Orleans on the offensive side of the ball. The Saints will already be without Audric Estime (thigh) and Oscar Delp (hamstring). That is on top of losing rookie Jordyn Tyson for the first few months of the season with a hamstring injury.
Meanwhile, the Saints will also be without veteran Cameron Jordan, who is also ruled out with a hamstring injury.
Saints QB Tyler Shough will be forced to make the most with which players he has available in Week 1. From a fantasy football perspective, that could mean a big game for Etienne, Chris Olave, and Juwan Johnson. Remember, Detroit's defensive secondary is riddled with injuries and could be ripe for getting picked apart.
It will be fascinating to see how New Orleans looks in their first action of the regular season.
Saints at Lions kicks off at 1PM ET on September 13th from Ford Field in Detroit.