METAIRIE, La. — Running back Alvin Kamara has been ruled out for the third straight week with his knee injury as the New Orleans Saints prepare to host the Buffalo Bills on Thanksgiving night.
Right tackle Ryan Ramczyk (knee) and defensive ends Marcus Davenport (shoulder) and Tanoh Kpassagnon (ankle) were also ruled out for Thursday’s game. Running back Mark Ingram II (knee) and left tackle Terron Armstead (knee/shoulder) are listed as questionable after practicing on a limited basis Wednesday.
If Ingram is out or limited, the Saints will obviously be short-handed at running back. Second-year pro Tony Jones Jr., RB/WR Ty Montgomery and backup quarterback Taysom Hill would likely be among those who fill the void.
Kamara is not expected to be sidelined long term, and he was not placed on injured reserve after he first started experiencing knee soreness during the Saints’ Week 9 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. The Saints will play another Thursday night game at home against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 13 before having three extra days between games in Week 14.
Kamara has obviously been missed in a depleted Saints offense that has been short on playmakers in the passing game all season. He leads the team with 840 yards from scrimmage, 7 touchdowns and 32 receptions this season.
The Saints (5-5) have battled injuries all season — but especially over the past month (including quarterback Jameis Winston‘s season-ending ACL tear and receiver Michael Thomas‘ season-ending setback with an ankle injury). The Saints have hit a three-game losing streak for the first time since 2016.