New Orleans Saints

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (back) was not spotted at Friday's practice. That makes a third consecutive absence at training camp due to a back issue for Kamara, who appears all but certain to sit out Sunday's preseason game against the hosting San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Fantasy managers shouldn't be concerned with Kamara's injury at the moment, but it would certainly be encouraging to see him back on the field at some point next week with the regular season quickly approaching. It doesn't help the Saints that there remains no sign of second-year back Kendre Miller (hamstring) at practice. Veteran power back Jamaal Williams makes sense as a bench stash in deep fantasy leagues while New Orleans' backfield remains banged up, and he figures to draw the start on Sunday against San Francisco.

New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen expressed concern when running back Kendre Miller (hamstring) got hurt three weeks ago in training camp about being able to make the team from the training room. Allen said that sentiment hasn't changed at this point, not just with Miller, but any young player who hasn't gotten to show enough for a true evaluation. The 22-year-old former third-round in 2023 has been a disappointment since entering the NFL. The former TCU star also dealt with nagging injuries in his rookie season and played in only eight games, carrying the ball 41 times for 156 yards and one touchdown and catching 10 passes for 117 yards. He's currently third on the RB depth chart behind Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams and could be falling further. Miller is off the fantasy radar for now in single-year leagues.

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (back) remained out of Wednesday's practice at training camp. Kamara is managing a back issue that he's dealt with in the past, and there appears to be a minimal amount of concern regarding the star back's health at this point. It's looking unlikely that he'll make an appearance in Sunday's preseason game against the hosting San Francisco 49ers, though. Kamara has plenty of risk in 2024 fantasy drafts while entering his age-29 season and witnessing his rushing efficiency decline in each of the last three years, but his role in New Orleans' passing game as quarterback Derek Carr's security blanket cannot be ignored. Last year, Kamara drew 87 targets despite missing four games via suspension, ranking third among RBs in full-PPR fantasy points per game (17.9). Until Kendre Miller (hamstring) is back at practice, Kamara remains a decent RB2 bet in fantasy.

New Orleans Saints rookie fifth-round quarterback Spencer Rattler (thigh) returned to training camp practice on Tuesday apparently suffered a bruised thigh in his NFL debut in Saturday's preseason contest against the Arizona Cardinals and sat out Sunday's practice. Rattler followed Derek Carr and Jake Haener on Saturday and went 9-for-17 for 70 yards while also rushing for a touchdown. The fact that the 23-year-old was back at practice on Tuesday should allow him to play in the second preseason game on Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers. Rattler and Haener are in a true battle for the QB2 job behind Carr. Rattler has the superior arm talent, but Haener has shown plenty of playmaking ability as well. How they fare in the rest of the preseason should decide the competition.

The New Orleans Saints received welcomed news on Tuesday when wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (hamstring) returned to practice. Shaheed had been dealing with hamstring tightness but was able to participate in practice with a red non-contact jersey. Shaheed is in line for a huge role in this offense in 2024. The speedster recorded 46 receptions for 719 yards and five touchdowns in 15 games in 2023. Most importantly, Shaheed displayed excellent chemistry with quarterback Derek Carr. Shaheed is being drafted outside of the top 100 players in fantasy drafts. As such, he is an excellent sleeper candidate at his current draft price. He should have plenty of time to ramp up before the regular season starts.