Saints RB Alvin Kamara out vs. Desmond Ridder-led Falcons

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara is inactive for Sunday's game against Desmond Ridder and the visiting Atlanta Falcons due to an ankle sprain.

Rookie Kendre Miller and Jamaal Williams will handle the bulk of the workload in place of Kamara, who was deemed as questionable and a game-time decision for Sunday's game. Kamara did not practice all week after sustaining a sprained ankle last Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Saints (8-8) are in the running for the NFC South title; they must beat Atlanta and have the Tampa Bay Buccaneers lose to or tie with the Carolina Panthers. The Saints also can qualify as a wild card with some external help.

Kamara has totaled 1,160 yards from scrimmage (694 rushing, 466 receiving) and scored six touchdowns this season across 13 games (12 starts). He has caught 75 passes on 86 targets; his career high for a season is 83 receptions in 2020.

Sunday's game is Kamara's first that he has missed due to injury this season. He sat out the first three games while serving a suspension by the NFL due to a violation of the league's personal conduct policy.

In addition to Kamara, the Saints made the following players inactive: quarterback Jake Haener, wide receiver Keith Kirkwood, linebacker Monty Rice, defensive end Kyle Phillips, safety Lonnie Johnson and offensive lineman Landon Young.

As for Atlanta (7-9), Ridder will get the start in place of injured quarterback Taylor Heinicke (ankle). The latter is inactive and listed as the third quarterback to back up Ridder and Logan Woodside.

Ridder was the Falcons' quarterback when they defeated the Saints 24-15 on Nov. 26 in Atlanta. He threw for a touchdown and two interceptions, while Bijan Robinson had 91 rushing yards, 32 receiving yards and two scores.

Center Drew Dalman, cornerback Natrone Brooks, defensive end Zach Harrison, safety DeMarcco Hellams and defensive tackle Tommy Togiai are inactive for Atlanta.