Subscribe
Follow Us
The New Orleans Saints are finding ways to keep running back Alvin Kamara involved in playoff preparation while he adheres to the league's COVID-19 protocols.
Kamara is participating in practices remotely, per ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, using a live video decoder at home. Saints head coach Sean Payton is also miked up and essentially walking Kamara through practices.
Saints’ HC Sean Payton also is miked up so he can guide Alvin Kamara through his plays and prep him as if he were actually practicing. Saints still are hopeful that Kamara will be able to play Sunday vs. Bears. https://t.co/RLDk6HFFL4
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 7, 2021
Kamara tested positive for COVID-19 on New Year's Day, rendering his status uncertain for New Orleans' Wild Card game.
If the Saints had played on Saturday, Kamara would have been ineligible to return, based on league mandates. However, New Orleans' date with the Chicago Bears falls on Sunday, and the Saints are hoping Kamara will not experience any further setbacks ahead of this weekend.
New Orleans holds the No. 2 seed in the NFC, and thus could have the home field advantage at least through the Divisional Round. But the Saints' offense will face a tough first test against a stingy Bears defense.
Chicago's defense was not as effective as it was in 2018 or 2019, but the Bears still have a deep front seven, and will also hope secondary players like Jaylon Johnson and Buster Skrine could be available.
The Bears had a hard time keeping tabs on Kamara during the Week 8 matchup between the two teams, which the Saints won in overtime. Kamara had 163 yards of total offense, including nine receptions for 96 yards.
New Orleans' offense has often run through Kamara and his multidimensional skill set out of the backfield. The Saints are keeping him involved and informed while he remains in quarantine.
