The New Orleans Saints will be down a key member of the backfield on Thanksgiving for their key matchup against the Buffalo Bills. Star running back Alvin Kamara has been fighting to get back in time for the Week 12 matchup after spending the past few weeks on the shelf with a knee injury, but it doesn't look as if he's going to be able to suit up.

According to Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football, Kamara has been ruled out for the Turkey Day game, as despite the team's best efforts, his knee simply wasn't healthy enough for him to play.

Kamara hasn't featured for New Orleans since the team's Week 9 loss to the Falcons. The Saints recently re-acquired Mark Ingram in a trade with the Texans, and he's been acting as the lead back in Kamara's stead.

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Since joining the Saints, Ingram has rushed 45 times for 205 yards and a touchdown. Last week he logged 16 carries for 88 yards in addition to six receptions for 25 yards.

Kamara will now be on the shelf for his third straight game and his next chance to play will come in Week 13 against the Dallas Cowboys. The Saints are sitting at 5-5 and with the question marks surrounding the quarterback position, they were hoping to be able to rely upon the run game. While they can still utilize Ingram heavily, Kamara's absence is a big blow to the game plan.

Kickoff for the Saints' Thanksgiving Day matchup is at 8:20 p.m. ET.