Kamara remains absent, Olave observing Saints practice

By Ross Jackson

METAIRIE, La. — No movement for the New Orleans Saints when it comes to Thursday’s practice attendance. The Saints are not likely to see the return of quarterback Derek Carr this weekend, and will likely announce their starter Thursday evening or after Friday’s practice. No matter who is under center for New Orleans, the team will need its run game. And there lingers the biggest question of the week outside of which backup signal caller will get the green light.

Here is the attendance from the portion of Thursday’s Saints practice that was open to the media:

Not Seen:

QB Derek Carr (Left Hand/Concussion)

RB Alvin Kamara (Illness)

LB D’Marco Jackson (Ankle)

Kamara has missed the first two days of practice with illness. However, he is one of the players on the team that could most certainly still start without practicing throughout the week. He was not listed as out with an injury on Wednesday’s report, but was listed with illness. Missing a second day is most assuredly not a great sign, but it is not a definitive sign that he will not be able to go on Sunday. His status will be one to watch at Friday’s practice.

Wide receiver Bub Means continues to work his way back to the field after his 21-day practice window was opened last week. He may not be ready to return in time for this weekend’s game, but he should be on track to potentially make it back in time for next week’s Monday Night Football matchup with the Green Bay Packers.

Receiver Chris Olave was also observing practice off to the side today. While he is eligible to return from Injured Reserve, Interim head coach Darren Rizzi said that he will not be back for this weekend’s game. However, the team has not closed the door entirely on a 2024 season return despite that.

Thursday’s injury report will be released in the afternoon with more information.