Why isn’t Saints’ Alvin Kamara playing on Thanksgiving vs. the Bills?

The Saints are going to be without their top offensive player on Thanksgiving night.

Alvin Kamara is going to miss his third straight game for the Saints while he deals with a knee injury that has troubled him since Week 10. As a result, New Orleans will be shorthanded against the Bills in their second career Thanksgiving home game at the Superdome.

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Kamara has been able to practice just once on a limited basis in the last three weeks. It’s unclear when he might return to action for the Saints.

Why isn’t Kamara playing? Here’s everything you need to know about his injury and who might replace him.

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Why isn’t Alvin Kamara playing?

Kamara has missed the Saints’ last two games while dealing with a reported MCL sprain. He was a non-participant at practice Monday through Wednesday this week and hasn’t practiced since being limited on the Wednesday before Week 11.

The Saints had been hopeful that Kamara would be able to play in their Week 11 game against the Eagles. However, he suffered an apparent setback, which is why he failed to practice Thursday or Friday after seeing the field on the Wednesday before that game.

Kamara last played in the Saints’ Week 9 loss against the Falcons. He generated 104 total yards and a TD on a season-low 17 touches in that contest. He showed minimal signs of wear and tear in the game.

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Mark Ingram would normally be the next man up for the Saints with Kamara out, but he is dealing with a knee injury of his own. He is questionable for the game. If he can’t play, the recently activated Tony Jones Jr. would take over as the primary back for the Saints.

Special teams ace Dwayne Washington and journeyman Josh Adams comprise the depth behind Jones.