Devin Neal Injury News & Updates

Neal accrued 14 rushes for 47 yards and reeled in all three targets for 22 yards during Sunday's 21-17 loss against the Dolphins.

Neal handled the bulk of the Saints' carries en route to career highs in rushing attempts and yards. The rookie filled in for the absence of RB1 Alvin Kamara, who was inactive after suffering an MCL sprain during last week's loss to Atlanta. Neal also didn't end up splitting duties out of the backfield, as the only other two running backs on the roster, Evan Hull and Audric Estime, logged five and zero carries, respectively. Meanwhile, Taysom Hill recorded just one rushing attempt as the change-of-pace dual-threat QB. With Kamara expected to miss more time moving forward, Neal seems set for moderate usage as the Saints' No. 1 running back for the time being. The team next plays against Tampa Bay in Week 14.

Neal (ankle) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against Miami, setting him up as the likely starter in place of Alvin Kamara (knee).

Kamara didn't practice at all this week and could miss time beyond Sunday, although Saints head coach Kellen Moore said the 30-year-old won't be placed on injured reserve, Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football reports. Neal played 86 percent of snaps after Kamara's early departure last week, but that was with no other running backs active for a loss to the Falcons. This week, the Saints likely will have three RBs available, with Neal joined by Audric Estime, Evan Hull and/or Ian Wheeler (currently on the practice squad). Neal figures to get most of the snaps and touches, but it won't necessarily be an every-down role again, and Taysom Hill will also get some of the carries.

Neal (ankle) was limited in Thursday's practice, Ross Jackson of WWL Louisiana reports.

Neal has now logged back-to-back limited practices since playing a season-high 59 offensive snaps Week 12 versus the Falcons, a contest that saw Alvin Kamara (knee/ankle) spend the entire second half on the sideline due to an MCL sprain. Kamara's injury paved the way for Neal rush seven times for 18 yards and secure five of seven targets for 43 yards. Kamara has now missed back-to-back practices and appears to be trending in the wrong direction for Sunday's game against the Dolphins, as may also be the case for No. 1 wideout Chris Olave (back), who missed practice Thursday due to an injury he sustained Wednesday.

Neal was a limited practice participant Wednesday due to a knee injury, Ross Jackson of WWL Louisiana reports.

Neal played 86 percent of snaps over the final three quarters of Sunday's 24-10 loss to the Falcons, filling in for Alvin Kamara (knee) on a day when the Saints had just two RBs active. Neal's ability to practice Wednesday, even in a limited capacity, suggests he's on track to play this Sunday against the Dolphins, likely filling in for Kamara as the starter. Audric Estime and Evan Hull are the other running backs on the 53-man roster, and Taysom Hill provides another form of competition for carries.

Neal rushed seven times for 18 yards while catching five of seven targets for 43 yards in Sunday's 24-10 loss to the Falcons.

Starting tailback Alvin Kamara (ankle) was forced out of Sunday's contest in the first half with an ankle injury and did not return. Neal -- who has been operating as the Saints' No. 2 option with Kendre Miller (knee) on IR -- took over lead back duties and finished with 61 yards from scrimmage on 14 combined touches. The 21-year-old Neal did most of his damage as a receiver with the Saints playing from behind right out of the gates. The sixth-round rookie could find himself in a favorable fantasy situation as New Orleans' starter in Week 13 if Kamara's injury forces him to miss next Sunday's tilt against Miami. Neal is worth a speculative add until more clarification on Kamara's injury rolls out during the upcoming practice week.

Neal tallied four rushes for 22 yards and gathered in all three targets for nine yards during Sunday's 17-7 win against the Panthers.

Neal operated as the Saints' RB2 behind Alvin Kamara for the second week in a row. The Saints' offense bounced back after last week's dreadful performance in a loss to the Rams, and Kamara powered the running game with a season-high 22 carries for 83 yards. Neal hasn't seen much usage over the last two games, as Taysom Hill has continued to cycle in as a rushing quarterback in short-yardage and goal-line situations. The 22-year-old running back's next opportunity will come after the Saints' Week 11 bye when they face the Falcons on Sunday, Nov. 23.

Neal accrued three carries for 11 yards and caught his only target for one yard during Sunday's 34-10 loss to the Rams.

Neal had only three fewer carries than RB1 Alvin Kamara, who was stymied for a season-low 14 rushing yards. Meanwhile, do-it-all tight end Taysom Hill finished with a team-high 30 rushing yards on four carries. New Orleans got dominated in just about every phase, leaving rookie quarterback Tyler Shough to attempt 24 passes compared to just 14 rushing attempts as a team. So, it's unclear how the rushing attempts would have been split up if there were a more normal game script for the Saints' offense. New Orleans will next play against the Panthers in Week 10 on Sunday.

Neal (ankle) doesn't have a designation for Sunday's game at the Rams, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.

Meanwhile, No. 1 RB Alvin Kamara is listed as questionable due to his own ankle injury, but coach Kellen Moore told Jeff Nowak of WWL New Orleans that the ninth-year pro is trending in the right direction entering the weekend. Considering Neal practiced fully Friday while Kamara remained limited, the former could be poised for a bump in snaps Sunday if the Saints opt to take it easy on the veteran. Neal, a rookie sixth-round pick, has three carries for 10 yards and three catches (on three targets) for 11 yards in four appearances this season.

Neal (ankle) practiced in a limited fashion Thursday, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.

Neal maintained his activity level from Wednesday as he tends to an ankle injury. No. 1 RB Alvin Kamara also is operating with a cap on his reps this week due to a lingering ankle issue, but there's been no indication that either player is in danger of sitting out Sunday's game at the Rams. In Week 8 against the Buccaneers, Neal took over the No. 2 role following Kendre Miller's torn ACL, logging a 46 percent snap share and netting 11 yards on his three catches. Meanwhile, Kamara handled 51 percent of the plays on his way to 45 yards from scrimmage on eight touches.

Neal was limited at Wednesday's practice due to an ankle injury.

No. 1 RB Alvin Kamara also is dealing with an ankle issue, but Neal's concern is a new one. In his first game acting as the No. 2 back in place of Kendre Miller (torn ACL) this past Sunday against the Buccaneers, Neal played 46 percent of the snaps, didn't see a carry and tallied three catches (on three targets) for 11 yards, while Kamara logged a 51 percent snap share and notched 45 yards from scrimmage on eight touches. Such a breakdown of work may be the norm between Kamara and Neal moving forward, but with injuries in tow for both players, their statuses will be monitored as the week goes on to get a sense of their odds to be available Sunday at the Rams.

Neal had zero carries and hauled in all three of his targets for 11 yards during Sunday's 23-3 loss against Tampa Bay.

The rookie sixth-rounder served as the Saints' RB2 with Kendre Miller out for the season after suffering a torn ACL in Week 7. New Orleans benched starting quarterback Spencer Rattler for rookie Tyler Shough late in the third quarter, and the offense abandoned the running game with just 15 carries as a team. Neal still played 46 percent of offensive snaps while operating behind Alvin Kamara, who only played 51 percent of offensive snaps. Neal will look for more rushing opportunities as New Orleans' offense looks to right the ship Week 8 versus the Rams.

Neal will likely take on a larger role following Kendre Miller's season-ending knee injury, Matthew Paras of the New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Miller tore his ACL in this past Sunday's loss to the Bears, opening the door for Neal to take over as the primary backup to Alvin Kamara (ankle). Neal was a sixth-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. He has three carries for 10 yards in three NFL appearances. Velus Jones rounds out the running back depth chart.

Neal logged one carry for one yard during Sunday's 26-14 defeat to the Bears.

Neal suited up for consecutive games for the first time this season. The rookie sixth-rounder didn't make much of an impact despite the departure of RB2 Kendre Miller (knee) early in the game. The latter running back averaged 9.0 carries per game over the previous four weeks while playing behind Alvin Kamara. If Miller misses time moving forward, then Neal is next in line to serve as the No. 2 running back. The Saints' next game will be against the Buccaneers on Sunday, Oct. 26.

Neal (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Giants.

Neal will be a healthy scratch for a fourth consecutive game while the Saints roll with a three-man backfield of Alvin Kamara, Kendre Miller and Velus Jones. Neal's next chance to see the field is Week 6 against the Patriots on Sunday, Oct. 12.

Neal (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Bills, Ross Jackson of WWL Louisiana reports.

Neal hasn't been active since Week 1, with Velus Jones instead taking the field thanks to his ability to contribute on special teams. Neal has had a slow start to his rookie season, earning only two carries for nine yards.

Neal (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against Seattle.

Neal entered the weekend with just two rushes for nine yards on the campaign, and he won't get a chance to add to that Sunday. Instead, Velus Jones -- who also serves as New Orleans' top kick returner -- is slated to work as the team's No. 3 RB behind Alvin Kamara and Kendre Miller.

Neal recorded two carries for nine yards during Sunday's 20-13 loss against the Cardinals.

Neal finished fourth on the Saints in both rushing yards and attempts. Starting running back Alvin Kamara tallied 11 of the team's 22 rushing attempts, while RB2 Kendre Miller (five) and quarterback Spencer Rattler (four) rounded out the rest of the ground game. The lack of team rushing attempts is notable compared to the 46 passing attempts for Rattler, which was a career high. Neal also played just seven offensive snaps. So long as he's playing behind two other running backs in an offense that stresses the passing game, Neal won't fetch any value in fantasy football. The Saints' next game will come versus the 49ers on Sunday, Sept. 14.

Neal (hamstring) rushed five times for 20 yards and brought in both targets for 10 yards in the Broncos' 28-19 preseason win over the Saints on Saturday afternoon.

Neal had missed the first two preseason games due to a hamstring injury, but the rookie sixth-round pick was able to finally get on the field Saturday. Neal was reasonably effective with his second-half opportunities, and he'll presumably have to beat out at least one of veterans Cam Akers, Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Velus Jones to make it through final cutdowns.

Based on his absence from pre-game warmup routines, Neal (hamstring) is not in line to play against the Jaguars in Sunday's preseason game, Matthew Paras of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Neal is working through a hamstring injury that he suffered in the beginning of August, and it appears the rookie sixth-rounder is also unlikely to play in the Saints' preseason finale against the Broncos on Saturday. Kendre Miller, Cam Akers and Clyde Edwards-Helaire should handle most of the backfield snaps Sunday, especially if Alvin Kamara also doesn't play.

Saints coach Kellen Moore said Tuesday that Neal (hamstring) will miss "a few weeks" of practice, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reports.

Neal appears destined to at least sit out New Orleans' preseason opener against the Chargers on Sunday, and it sounds as though is status for Aug. 17 versus the Jaguars and Aug. 23 against the Broncos could be in jeopardy as well. The rookie sixth-round pick is competing for backfield opportunities behind Alvin Kamara with all of Kendre Miller, Cam Akers and Clyde Edwards-Helaire, so he'll work to return to the field as soon as possible.

The Saints selected Neal in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, 184th overall.

Few would have found it shocking if Neal had gone as early as the third round, so in the sixth round he could prove a bargain for the Saints. The former Kansas star would ideally be a little more heavy (5-foot-11, 213 pounds) and would ideally have a little more speed (4.58-second 40-yard dash), but Neal's collegiate production was convincing on the question of his skill set. Neal really knows how to play, be it on running and passing downs, and if he gets his foot into the door history says he might be tough to put back on the bench. Neal might supplant Kendre Miller on the depth chart if Miller can't improve in his third year, though Neal is likely no threat to Alvin Kamara's usage.