Saints’ Derek Carr, Alvin Kamara out ahead of Packers game | Saints

The New Orleans Saints will be without several of their best players against the Green Bay Packers.

The team ruled out quarterback Derek Carr (hand/concussion) and running back Alvin Kamara (groin) after the two did not practice this week with injuries. Wide receiver Chris Olave also won’t return from a concussion, despite being a limited participant for three straight days.

With Carr out, Spencer Rattler will start at quarterback.

“Derek just hasn’t made enough progress this week,” Rizzi said. “I just don’t feel comfortable right now when he’s playing. …. He just wants to be inactive.”

Rizzi had previously left the door open for Carr to return, but said earlier this week that he wanted the quarterback to practice at least once before returning. This will be the second straight game missed for Carr, who suffered a fracture in his non-throwing hand and a concussion in a Dec. 8 win over the New York Giants.

Rizzi said Carr is starting to regain some of his grip strength and is “getting closer,” but the quarterback didn’t have enough time to get ready for Monday’s game.

Kamara, meanwhile, was revealed to have a more serious groin injury than the Saints initially expected. Rizzi said the Saints would rely on a “committee” approach to replacing Kamara.

“Here’s the good news: Hopefully Kendre (Miller) can pick up where he left off the last few weeks,” Rizzi said. “Jamaal Williams has many, many games in that division, in that stadium, and he’s had some really good games. … Between Kendre, Jamaal and Jordan Mims, I think you’re going to see all those guys at some point during the game.”

In addition to Carr, Kamara and Olave, the Saints also ruled out wide receiver Bub Means and listed wideout Marquez Valdes-Scantling as questionable with a chest injury and illness.