Saints’ Alvin Kamara optimistic on playing against Jets

The New Orleans Saints look to get a key piece back for their offense in Alvin Kamara. Per NOLA.com’s Josh Katzenstein, Kamara said he expects to be good to go for Sunday’s game against the New York Jets. Kamara, who exited the game against the Atlanta Falcons, is in the league’s concussion protocol. It’s a five-step return-to-participation process for anyone that suffers a concussion diagnosis. Here’s the rundown:

1. Rest and recovery: Until a player returns to the "baseline level of signs and symptoms and neurological examination," only limited stretching and balance activities are recommended. Electronics, social media and team meetings are all to be avoided.
2. Light aerobic exercise: The NFL recommends 10-20 minutes on a stationary bike or treadmill without resistance training or weight training. The cardiovascular activity is monitored by an athletic trainer to "determine if there are any recurrent concussion signs or symptoms."
3. Continued aerobic exercise and introduction of strength training: Increased duration and intensity of aerobic exercise with strength training added. An athletic trainer will supervise to watch for recurrent concussions signs or symptoms.
4. Football specific activities: The cognitive load of playing football will be added and players will participate in non-contact activities for the typical duration of a full practice.
5. Full football activity/clearance: A player returns to full participation in practice, including contact without restriction.

NFL

The team’s first injury report will drop on Wednesday, so don’t be surprised if you see Kamara practicing on a limited basis.