New Orleans Saints

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (hand) was limited in practice all week managing a lingering hand injury but is expected to play in Thursday's game against the Denver Broncos. New Orleans was probably just taking it easy on the league leader in total touches (132) on a short week. Kamara will likely be relied on heavily to produce for a Saints offense that will be missing several skill position players, with Chris Olave (concussion) and Rashid Shaheed (knee) already declared out and Taysom Hill (ribs) designated as doubtful. Kamara was targeted eight times by rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler in Week 6, who will likely get another spot start with Derek Carr (oblique) listed as doubtful. Denver's defense has been among the most effective in the league this season but Kamara should still be in starting lineups when Week 7 kicks off on Thursday night.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler is in line for another start when the team kicks off the Week 7 slate on Thursday night against the Denver Broncos. Regular starter Derek Carr (oblique) is listed as doubtful on the Saints' final injury report but the eleven-year veteran did not practice at all this week. In his professional debut last week, Rattler went 22-for-40 on pass attempts for 243 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions. The rookie also fumbled (and recovered) his second snap of the game but was otherwise surprisingly efficient for most of the first half until the Buccaneers defense started to turn up the heat. Rattler faces an uphill battle in Week 7, going against a defense that ranks second in total sacks (22) and is allowing just 16 points per game to opposing offenses. He will also be without the services of Chris Olave (concussion) and Rashid Shaheed (knee) who have been declared out, making Rattler a risky play in the first game of the week.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (oblique) is listed as doubtful to play on Thursday night against the Denver Broncos. Carr has been dealing with a torn oblique that cost him the Saints' Week 6 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Carr has not practiced all week and so it is interesting that the Saints have not officially ruled him out for Thursday. The listing as doubtful leaves the door cracked for Carr to play but it seems highly unlikely at this point. All signs suggest that rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler will get his second start on Thursday night. Unfortunately, the Saints will be without Rashid Shaheed (knee) and Chris Olave (concussion). If Carr cannot go, then his next chance to retake the field will be in Week 8 against the Los Angeles Chargers.

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (concussion) will not play on Thursday night due to a concussion. Olave suffered a concussion last weekend against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and was unable to clear the league's concussion protocol. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor the 24-year-old's status next week before their game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Olave has struggled to find consistency at times this season but has eclipsed double-digit PPR points on three occasions and tallied a season-high 20.6 points in Week 3. In addition, No. 2 wideout Rashid Shaheed (knee) will also sit out. As a result, fantasy managers looking for a replacement option should consider adding rookie Bub Means, as he saw an impressive eight targets last weekend and could lead the New Orleans passing attack.

New Orleans Saints tight end Taysom Hill (ribs) is considered doubtful for Thursday's game, according to Nick Underhill of the New Orleans Football Network. The tight end logged limited practice sessions on Monday and Tuesday after missing the previous two games and is now in danger of missing tomorrow's game. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to the 34-year-old's status on Wednesday's injury report, as it may provide more clarity on his potential to suit up. If he cannot play, rookie Spencer Rattler will face a difficult challenge against a tough Denver defense without his top wideouts and potentially starting tight end. As a result, Bub Means could be worth a look as a flex option, as he saw eight targets in relief last weekend.