Alvin Kamara Sprains MCL, May Miss Saints' Season Opener

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara is expected to miss at least a month after spraining his MCL during a joint practice with the Dallas Cowboys, potentially sidelining him for the team's season opener. The injury, reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter, occurred on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. It adds to a growing list of significant preseason setbacks for the franchise.

Kamara suffered the knee injury during the practice session, which was described as eventful, though the injury did not occur during on-field altercations. A recovery timeline of at least one month would likely rule the veteran out for the Saints' September 13 regular-season opener against the Detroit Lions and leaves his status for the following week's game against the Baltimore Ravens uncertain. The team's home opener is scheduled for September 27 against the Las Vegas Raiders.

The 31-year-old Kamara is now in his tenth season with the Saints. He recently restructured his contract to remain with the only NFL franchise he has known, having been selected in the third round of the 2017 draft. Kamara is the franchise's all-time leader in rushing attempts, yards, and total touchdowns, and is second in career...