Head Coach Kellen Moore Announces 14 Injured Saints Players Will Miss Week 13 Clash Against Dolphins
Week 13 is here, but instead of riding a wave of confidence heading into their first trip to Miami since 2009, the New Orleans Saints are reeling from an injury crisis that threatens to derail their season. At Friday’s press conference, head coach Kellen Moore dropped a bombshell:
“Fourteen of our players are not in game-ready condition, and many of them won’t be suiting up this Sunday.”
And these aren’t just practice squad names. Superstar running back Alvin Kamara is officially ruled out, and top receiver Chris Olave is 50/50. For a Saints squad still clinging to playoff hopes, this is nothing short of disastrous.
Injury Breakdown: Not Just Numbers, But Key Playmakers
1. Alvin Kamara – Officially Out
The biggest blow is the confirmed absence of Alvin Kamara, who will miss Sunday’s game due to lingering knee and ankle injuries. Kamara has been the engine of the Saints’ offense, especially under Moore’s run-pass option (RPO) schemes. His ability to contribute both on the ground and through the air made him irreplaceable in red zone situations.
Now, with Kamara sidelined, New Orleans will have to completely redesign its offensive approach, putting pressure on rookie backs to step up in a hostile environment.
2. Chris Olave – Questionable with a nagging back injury
Chris Olave, the Saints’ top wideout, is listed as limited participation and questionable after suffering a back injury during practice. The issue appears to be a recurrence of a previous injury that affected his explosiveness earlier this season.
While Moore has not ruled him out completely, he admitted
“We’re monitoring Olave day by day. He wants to play, but we’re not going to force it if he’s not fully ready.”
If Olave is unavailable, the Saints lose their only consistent deep threat, putting even more strain on less experienced receivers like Rashid Shaheed and A.T. Perry.
3. Taliese Fuaga – Rare positive news
One bright spot: rookie first-round tackle Taliese Fuaga has fully recovered from an ankle sprain and is cleared to start on Sunday. His return is vital for a Saints offensive line that will need to hold off Miami’s aggressive pass rush.
4. Devin Neal – Rookie RB thrust into the spotlight
With Kamara out, rookie running back Devin Neal is expected to take on the starting load. Neal has returned to full participation after a minor ankle issue, but this will be his first major test in a high-stakes, playoff-level atmosphere.
Dolphins Injury Report: Minor Concerns, but Depth Remains Intact
On the other sideline, the Miami Dolphins are in a much better spot injury-wise. Four players are listed as questionable:
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WR Jaylen Waddle (foot)
TE Darren Waller (pectoral)
DT Benito Jones (ankle)
OL Austin Jackson (toe)
However, major contributors like Bradley Chubb, Matthew Judon, and Aaron Brewer have all returned to full practice and are expected to play.
Kellen Moore Faces Tactical Nightmare
Against a fast, deep, and well-coached Dolphins squad, Moore will have to call a near-perfect game with a heavily depleted roster. When asked about adjusting to the injuries, Moore didn’t mince words
“We play with whoever’s ready to fight. If you can’t go, we move forward.”
Week 13 won’t just test the Saints against Miami. It will test their depth, their resolve, and the very foundation of Moore’s leadership during his first season at the helm.
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