Bold news for Saints fans: Defensive end Chase Young is finally set to make his much-anticipated season debut this Sunday against the New England Patriots, while star running back Alvin Kamara remains questionable due to an ankle injury but has no official injury designation. But here’s where it gets controversial—despite Kamara feeling optimistic, there’s still some uncertainty about his playtime, and that’s the part most people miss.
Chase Young, who has battled a calf injury sidelining him for the first five games this season, returned to practice last Wednesday and has taken part fully in Friday’s session for the first time since his injury. Saints head coach Kellen Moore couldn’t hide his excitement: "Chase has done so much to get to this point. Seeing him on the field is a real boost for everyone. His journey has been tough, but he’s earned this moment. He had an outstanding week of practice and his presence will surely inject energy into our defense."
Young’s return provides a crucial depth boost to the Saints’ defensive line. Currently, the team is tied for 14th place in sacks, with Carl Granderson leading with 4.5 sacks. Moore explained how adding Young to the rotation helps keep the defense fresh and effective: "Carl Granderson and Cameron Jordan have been carrying a heavy load, so bringing Chase into the mix will help distribute the reps more evenly. Chris Rumph is still contributing heavily, so now we have four players rotating effectively, which is ideal for maintaining stamina over the course of the game."
As for Alvin Kamara, he addressed reporters Thursday, sharing a positive update: "It’s really just some soreness from the game; it’s nothing serious." Coach Moore echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Kamara’s solid training and readiness this week. However, Kamara’s questionable status reflects a cautious approach to ensure his health.
Other key players are also bouncing back and ready to contribute. Guard Cesar Ruiz, tight end Juwan Johnson, guard Trevor Penning—all dealing with ankle issues—and safety Justin Reid, recovering from a concussion, all fully participated in Friday’s practice and are expected to play on Sunday. On the downside, cornerback Isaac Yiadom was ruled out again due to a hamstring injury, marking his second missed game.
Here’s a thought-provoking question for fans: With Chase Young finally back and Alvin Kamara’s status in limbo, how much will these factors alter the Saints’ prospects for the season? Does adding Young’s defensive firepower outweigh the risk of Kamara’s limited availability? Share your thoughts—are the Saints poised for a resurgence, or is this a fragile balance that could tip either way?
