Alvin Kamara: Saints say his return is close (MCL)
THE FACT. Saints offensive coordinator Kellen Moore said Kamara will be part of the offense shortly, in comments published Tuesday by Yahoo Sports, but stopped short of committing him to Sunday's game against Baltimore. Kamara has not played since spraining his MCL in an August joint practice and was inactive for Week 1 against Detroit, where Travis Etienne handled the early-down work. Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football has reported the team's plan was a Week 2 debut.
THE VERDICT. Hold Kamara in Redraft and do not drop him. Moore's language points to a Week 2 return, but nothing is locked until the Saints publish a practice report, so treat Kamara as a flex with real upside rather than a set RB2. Etienne is the safer start this week and remains a priority add for anyone who missed him. Fade both in DFS until Friday's designation lands.
Gonna push back here. Etienne as the 'safer start' after 9 carries for 46 yards, in a game where Shough threw for 411? That isn't safe. That's a guy who needs a touchdown. When Kamara's back this is a committee, and Kamara is still the back this offense trusts on passing downs. I'd rather flex Kamara on limited snaps than count on Etienne's early-down work against Baltimore. The coaching staff is already telling the media he's close. Believe them.