Saints rookie will get first taste of NFL action due to situation he never could have expected
The New Orleans Saints offense has gotten healthier over the past week, in some ways. Taysom Hill and Chris Olave returned last week, while Derek Carr is set to return from his oblique injury this weekend against the Carolina Panthers. That being said, the running backs have taken some tough blows recently for New Orleans. […]
The New Orleans Saints offense has gotten healthier over the past week, in some ways. Taysom Hill and Chris Olave returned last week, while Derek Carr is set to return from his oblique injury this weekend against the Carolina Panthers.
That being said, the running backs have taken some tough blows recently for New Orleans.
Saints RB Jamaal Williams' status
The backup running back for New Orleans is listed as doubtful for Week 9 against the Panthers. He's dealing with a groin injury. Young RB Kendre Miller has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury.
Alvin Kamara will surely get another heavy workload against Carolina. He's been a workhorse for much of this season, but that could reach a new peak with both players behind him on the depth chart unlikely to play.
Opportunity for young players
Alongside Kamara, expect New Orleans to elevate both of their practice quad running backs, Jacob Kibodi and Jordan Mims.
Kibodi is an undrafted rookie that played well in the preseason. Mims is an option that knows the system well and has reps with the unit already this season.
For Kibodi, he could get his first regular season action of his career. If he shows signs of success, it will be interesting if he keeps a depth role in the backfield for New Orleans. Keep in mind that Kibodi was released from the PS in early October but returned earlier this week.
“That was a dream come true. Coming from Louisiana, that’s a blessing. Everybody dreams of that as a kid…" – Kibodi after scoring twice in preseason game
It is certainly possible that Kibodi doubted that he would ever take a regular season snap with the Saints after they moved on earlier in the season. Now, he could play a legitimate role in the team's offense against a division foe.
The Saints will look to end their six-game losing streak on Sunday against the Panthers.
