New Orleans Saints missing key weapon on offense for must-win match

The New Orleans Saints will be without running back Alvin Kamara for their crucial Week 18 match against the Atlanta Falcons.

The 8-8 Saints face the Falcons at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome needing to win to keep their hopes of a postseason run alive.

New Orleans have two different paths to reaching the playoffs, either as winners of the NFC South or a wildcard spot should the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks slip up on Sunday.

But either route requires the Saints to beat the Falcons, a task which is made all the much harder by Kamara's inactive tag.

Kamara was a non-participant in all three of the Saints' practices midweek, but New Orleans fans were given a glimmer of hope when their lead rusher was listed as questionable for the game.

However, Kamara - who has 694 rushing yards, 466 receiving yards and six total touchdowns this season - has not been able to overcome his ankle injury and misses out.

With Kamara officially ruled out, back-up Jamaal Williams will handle the majority of the workload while rookie Kendre Miller could potentially see some involvement.