New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara just did not seem himself in the 2019 season. Many attributed it to a larger workload than Kamara was used to, which was brought on when Mark Ingram signed a new contract with the Baltimore Ravens. There was also the fact that the running back was listed with an ankle and a knee injury at different points in the season. What most did not know was the scope and severity of the knee injury that hampered Kamara’s performance all season.
Speaking with the media after training camp on Monday afternoon, here is what Kamara had to say regarding his injury last season sustained in Week 6 against the Jacksonville Jaguars:
“Yeah, well, I injured myself early, Jacksonville week I tore my knee basically. That was something I was dealing with the whole season, had to miss some time, which I don’t like to do, came back, tried to play as best I could, tried to manage it throughout the week.”
Saints RB Alvin Kamara played through most of 2019 with a torn MCL in his knee. Here’s when the injury occurred in Week 6 against the Jaguars.
— Master (@MasterTes) August 11, 2020
He missed just two games, and finished the season with 1,330 total yards. pic.twitter.com/6EiNOpEhzd
Kamara had already entered the Week 6 game with an injured ankle, but felt he could play through it. After tearing his knee Kamara missed the matchups against the Chicago Bears and Arizona Cardinals. After the Week 9 bye, Kamara was able to return, but was no where near as explosive as to what fans had become accustomed to.
When Canal Street Chronicles asked him during the media conference call if he strengthened and focused on his legs during the offseason he was quick to point out the noticeable changes:
“Any type of lower extremity injury whether it be knee, ankle, or hip, once you get out of playing mode and into recovery mode it’s what can we focus on strengthening that was injured and what was around it.
Working with [Doctor] Sharif [Tabbah] in Miami we really locked in and focused on trying to just fortify it from my ankles, knees, hips, just create some more flexibility, mobility, strengthen obviously those ligaments in my knee and create some more stability, more than I already had.”
Kamara appears ready to go for the 2020 season as he has focused on key areas of his body, as well as switching to a more plant-based diet. These changes to his routine and regimen mean he has arrived at camp completely healthy and ready to go.
While the Saints offense was already one of the most potent in the league with a banged up Kamara, him being fully healthy bodes well for the continued efficiency and lethality of the squad.
Do you think Kamara will be able to rediscover himself this year considering he is healthy? Explain in the comments. Make sure you follow Canal Street Chronicles on Twitter at @SaintsCSC, “Like” us on Facebook at Canal Street Chronicles, and make sure you’re subscribed to our new YouTube channel. As always, you can follow me on Twitter @KadeKistner.