Saints training camp previews: Ingram-Kamara provide must again crucial one-two punch

(This is Part 2 of a seven-part series previewing the Saints position by position heading into training camp.)

Position: Running back/Fullback (9)
Mark Ingram II, Alvin Kamara, Trey Edmunds, Jonathan Williams, Daniel Lasco, Boston Scott, Terrance West, Zach Line (FB), Ryan Yurachek (FB)

Overview: The performance of the Ingram-Kamara tandem was one of the keys to the team’s success last season, and it will be an integral part of this team’s success. But half of that tandem — the first in NFL history to accumulate more than 1,500 yards from scrimmage apiece — will be missing for the first four games of the season as Ingram serves a suspension for violating the NFL’s policy on performance enhancing drugs. That makes Kamara, the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year last season, even more important during that time, but don’t expect the Saints to overwork him.

One or two other players will have to fill the role of Kamara’s sidekick. No one other than Kamara and West, a fifth-year player and former, Brown, Titan and Raven who was signed last week, has been productive in the NFL

The wide receivers could factor into picking up the slack because both Kamara and Ingram are used frequently as pass catchers. And if no one emerges as a satisfactory fill-in for Ingram, the Saints can always lean more heavily on Drew Brees and the passing game until Ingram gets back, but that’s not the preferred option.

The fullback rarely touches the football in coach Sean Payton’s offense, but Line was a valuable blocker last season and it will be a challenge for Yurachek to beat him out.

Starters at the end of 2017: Ingram, Line
Other returning players: Kamara, Edmunds, Williams, Lasco
Subtractions: John Kuhn (FB)
Additions: Scott, West, Yurachek
Player to watch: Ingram

Game plan: To withstand Ingram’s absence and build on the success he and Kamara had last season. Ingram, who skipped OTAs but joined the team for the mandatory mini-camp last week, will be a full participant through the end of the preseason, but training camp and the preseason will be used to see who, if anyone, among Edmunds, Williams, Lasco and Scott is most capable of mitigating the loss of Ingram for the first four games. West is a wild-card who provides valuable experience, but might not be the most cost-effective third-string back for three-quarters of the season.

This group is also important on special teams. Kamara was the most productive kick returner last season, though the Saints want to be judicious in using him there, and Scott is capable of returning kickoffs and punts. Whoever joins Ingram and Kamara on the roster will have to demonstrate that they can contribute in some capacity on special teams.

Quote to note: “It’s a situation where someone’s got to rise up and we feel like we’ve got some guys who are capable of getting in there and pushing for playing time there and help carry the load. Obviously when the suspension’s done we’ll assess and go from there.” –Running backs coach Joel Thomas on handling Ingram’s four-game absence.

Series schedule:
June 13: Quarterbacks
June 20: Running backs/fullbacks
June 27: Wide receivers/tight ends
July 4: Offensive line
July 11: Defensive line
July 18: Linebackers
July 25: Defensive backs