The New Orleans Saints didn't have veteran running back Alvin Kamara on the field for the first time this season in Week 13.
That's because Kamara suffered knee and ankle injuries in Week 12. He was not able to practice at all last week before being ruled out for Sunday.
As we turn the page to Week 14, here's what we know about Kamara's chances of playing in the Sunday contest versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Will Alvin Kamara return in Week 14?
We can't say for sure, but when putting the pieces together we would say he is more likely to sit out than not.
We say that because Kamara wasn't able to log a single practice last week, which showed he didn't make much, if any progress in his recovery.
Alvin Kamara injury update, diagnosis
According to Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football, Kamara is dealing with an MCL sprain. Underhill added that Kamara would miss time but it's not a season-ending injury.
"Alvin Kamara has an MCL sprain, according to a source. Avoided a major injury, but we'll see how it progresses," Underhill reported on Nov. 23. "He could take a little time, but nothing that's super serious or threatening long term. Hard to know how long. Alvin and his team often beat timelines."
MCL sprains can be multi-week injuries, so there is a good chance Kamara isn't going to play in Week 14.
Alvin Kamara return timeline
Return timeline: Week 14-16
Because the Saints didn't place Kamara on injured reserve, the expectation is he won't miss more than three games.
So, it's possible Kamara could sit out in Weeks 14 and 15, but we wouldn't expect him back any later than Week 16.
We'll know more about where Kamara stands when the Saints drop their first injury report of the week on Wednesday.
Alvin Kamara fantasy advice
To be quite honest, all Saints running backs are off the starting radar entering Week 14, outside of the most desperate situations.
If you're in that situation, then you can justify starting Kamara in the flex spot if he does suit up.
If he doesn't play, Devin Neal is a viable desperation play, as he'll lead New Orleans' backfield once again. Just don't expect much.
More NFL injury news
- Will Garrett Wilson return in Week 14? Latest injury update
- Latest injury update on Trey Benson for Week 14
- Will Omarion Hampton return from injury in Week 14?