The New Orleans Saints are playing for playoff seeding when they face the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. Sean Payton is going to have to be creative as his team is missing its running back room due to COVID-19 woes.
Star RB Alvin Kamara tested positive on Friday and was ruled out and could miss the Wild-Card game depending on what date it is scheduled for the Saints should they not gain the bye as the top seed in the NFC.
On Saturday, news broke that the entire running-back room was deemed close contacts of Kamara and will not be available in Week 17.
Latavius Murray, Dwayne Washington, Michael Burton and running backs coach Joel Thomas will be unavailable against the Panthers due to close contact with Kamara.
The trio of running backs did not test positive, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, and are expected to be back with the team next week if they remain negative.
Expect Ty Montgomery to take on the bulk of the running game. Montgomery has one carry this season that went for minus-4 yards. He has missed seven games due to injury.
Rookie running back Tony Jones Jr. will be called up from the practice squad Quarterback/utility player Taysom Hill will also be available.