Injury roundup: Saints RB Alvin Kamara (ankle) inactive vs. Falcons; TE Juwan Johnson (chest) to play

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (ankle) is inactive for Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons.

Kamara, who was listed as a non-participant in all three practice sessions this week, earned a questionable designation for the regular-season finale. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Sunday that Kamara was considered a game-time decision leading up to kickoff. 

Quarterback Derek Carr will have another offensive threat available in Sunday’s NFC South tilt. Tight end Juwan Johnson (chest) is expected to play, Rapoport reported, per a source. Johnson has since been declared active for the game.

Johnson did not participate in Wednesday’s practice, however, the veteran tight end was limited in Thursday and Friday’s practices.

This season, Kamara has 694 rushing yards, 466 receiving yards and six total touchdowns in 13 games.

Entering Week 18, the Saints have a 29% chance to make the playoffs, per Next Gen Stats. If New Orleans wins, it improves its chances to 48%, per NGS. The Saints are the NFC’s current No. 9 seed in the playoff race.

New Orleans (8-8) and Atlanta (7-9) kick off at 1 p.m. ET.

Other injuries we are keeping an eye on ahead of Sunday’s Week 18 games:

• Atlanta Falcons quarterback Taylor Heinicke (ankle) was hopeful to play in Sunday’s game against the Saints, Rapoport reported, but he has been declared inactive for the season finale.
• Chicago Bears running back Khalil Herbert (back) and tight end Cole Kmet (knee) are expected to play in Sunday’s game versus the Packers, Rapoport reported, per sources.
• Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (right shoulder) is officially active versus the Titans. Wide receiver Zay Jones (knee/hamstring) is active, while wideout Christian Kirk (groin) inactive, Rapoport added.
• Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (quadricep/shoulder) is not expected to play in Sunday’s regular-season finale against the Chargers, Rapoport reported, per sources.
• Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert (knee/ankle) and wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (ankle) are expected to miss Sunday’s game against the Bills, Rapoport and Pelissero reported, per sources.
• New England Patriots QB Mac Jones is inactive for the season finale versus the Jets. He will be the emergency No. 3 QB today, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported.
• Philadelphia Eagles RB D'Andre Swift (illness) is not expected to play versus the Giants, NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo reported, per a source.
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield (ribs) is officially active versus the Panthers.