Alvin Kamara is taking a step toward returning.
The New Orleans Saints running back practiced Wednesday. Barring a setback, there is a very real chance he plays Sunday against the New York Jets, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported.
His return could be all the more pivotal for the Saints, as running back Mark Ingram was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday.
Kamara has been out since suffering a knee injury in Week 9.
Sans the dynamic playmaker, the Saints offense has gone in the tank the past four weeks. It's not hyperbolic to suggest that no non-quarterback means more to an offense than Kamara does to New Orleans.
Despite missing four games, Kamara leads the Saints with 840 scrimmage yards and seven total TDs. No other Saints player has 600-plus scrimmage yards this season. Kamara's 105.0 scrimmage yards per game this season ranks sixth in NFL among running backs.
With Taysom Hill in line to get his second start under center, getting AK back would provide a go-to playmaker in both the ground and air attacks for the Saints against the nosediving Jets.
Ingram rejoined his original NFL club when the Saints acquired him via trade with the Texans on Oct. 29. He's rushed for 233 yards in five games so far with the Saints. He'll need to be activated off the reserve/COVID-19 list by 4 p.m. ET Saturday to be eligible to play on Sunday.
