Alvin Kamara injury revelation bodes extremely well for the Chargers in Week 8

The LA Chargers play the New Orleans Saints for the first time since 2020 and even though it was only four years ago, both teams look much different. For the Saints, one of the few constants from that previous matchup is running back Alvin Kamara.

Kamara has been the constant for a New Orleans team that underwent a quarterback change, a head coaching change, and has had a rotating door of support players while still somehow defying the salary cap. The star running back will continue to be a constant for the organization moving forward, too, as the Saints signed him to a two-year extension this week.

With an unfortunate quarterback situation and a defense that has been awful in recent weeks, New Orelans' one hope in the upcoming matchup against the Chargers is that Kamara can serve as the engine of the offense and keep the ball out of Justin Herbert's hands.

Unfortunately, that might be easier said than done in Week 8 because of Kamara's health status. Kamara, who has been a limited participant in practice this week, revealed he broke his hand against the Kansas City Chiefs three weeks ago. This is in addition to a rib injury Kamara has played through this season.

Alvin Kamara injury eases the burden on the Chargers in Week 8

While Kamara has played through the hand injury he has not been the same so his production may continue to be limited against the Chargers. The Saints running back has averaged 2.5 yards per carry in his 20 carries since hurting his hand, including a seven-carry, 10-yard game last week against the Denver Broncos.

Kamara's pass-catching has been impacted as well. While he has 11 receptions in his last two games, he only has 38 yards of receiving. This extension of the run game the last two weeks has not been any more impactful than the run game itself.

If Kamara is not 100% then it is hard to see a path to victory for the Saints. New Orleans needs work defensively and with a backup quarterback under center, does not have the offensive firepower to score often on the Chargers.

That being said, the Chargers have struggled offensively as well and are dealing with injuries of their own. With five straight losses on the books, New Orleans is certainly hungry and is going to throw everything at the Chargers to snap the streak.

The Saints will need the desperation in order to take down the Chargers because on paper, it is not looking good for the black and gold.