The New Orleans Saints (2-9) will face the Miami Dolphins (4-7) on Sunday, at Hard Rock Stadium with their offense severely hampered by key injuries. The team’s official Friday injury report ruled out star running back Alvin Kamara and listed top wide receiver Chris Olave as questionable, creating significant concern for an offense already struggling to find consistency.

Kamara Sidelined with Knee/Ankle Issues

Alvin Kamara, who has been battling knee and ankle injuries sustained in last week's loss to the Atlanta Falcons, has been officially ruled OUT for the Week 13 game. Kamara did not participate in any of the team's practices this week, a clear sign the versatile playmaker would not be ready for the trip to Miami.

His absence is a massive blow to the Saints' attack, which has failed to crack 20 points in six consecutive games. Rookie running back Devin Neal, who stepped up after Kamara left the Falcons game, is also nursing an ankle injury (listed as Limited Participation on Thursday), though his status has not been officially updated with a game designation yet.

The Saints will be forced to rely on a combination of backs, likely giving rookie Neal and recently-acquired Audric Estimé the bulk of the carries as they face a Dolphins defense that has shown vulnerability against the run.

Kamara's absence eliminates the Saints' most dynamic rushing and receiving threat out of the backfield, placing immense pressure on rookie quarterback Tyler Shough to find success through the air.

Olave's Status Highly Uncertain

The receiving corps is facing its own crisis with second-year sensation Chris Olave listed as Questionable with a back injury. Olave, who leads the team with 69 receptions for 734 yards this season, left Wednesday's practice early with the new ailment and saw his participation fluctuate through the week.

While Head Coach Kellen Moore initially downplayed the severity, describing it as "not a big deal," Olave's status remains up in the air for Sunday. The situation is further complicated by the recent departures of veteran wideouts Rashid Shaheed and Brandin Cooks, leaving the Saints perilously thin at the receiver position.

"He was able to practice today and obviously we'll let this thing play itself out over the course of the next 48 hours, but he practiced today and was still a little bit limited but did well," said Saints coach Kellen Moore.

If Olave is unable to suit up, or is limited, New Orleans will have to turn to receivers like Devaughn Vele and Mason Tipton Jr., with a heavy emphasis likely falling on tight end Juwan Johnson in the passing game.

A Critical Test for the Saints Offense

The New Orleans offense has been sputtering, and the potential loss of both Kamara and Olave comes at the worst possible time as they attempt to break a six-game losing streak. Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough will be tested like never before, needing to navigate the Dolphins' defense without his two best skill-position players.

The Saints face an uphill battle against a Miami team coming off a Week 12 bye and riding a two-game winning streak. New Orleans' ability to score and keep the game competitive will rest entirely on the shoulders of their depth players and the quarterback's execution under extreme pressure.