Devin Neal’s Breakout Window Has Arrived
Week 13 is shaping up to be the biggest opportunity yet for New Orleans Saints rookie running back Devin Neal.
With Alvin Kamara nursing an MCL sprain and unlikely to be anywhere close to full strength, the Saints suddenly find themselves needing a spark in the backfield—and all signs point toward Neal being the one with the chance to deliver it.
Through the first half of the season, the Saints have relied heavily on Kamara’s versatility, leadership, and consistency. Even when the offense has sputtered, the veteran back has remained their most reliable source of production, both as a rusher and a receiver. But an MCL sprain is the type of injury that limits explosiveness, lateral agility, and workload—even for a proven star like Kamara.
New Orleans will almost certainly need to lighten his load to protect his health down the stretch, and that opens the door wide for the team’s young rookie.
If ever there were a matchup perfectly designed for a breakout performance, this is it. Miami’s defense has been vulnerable against the run all season, struggling at multiple levels of the field.
The Dolphins have already allowed more than 1,500 rushing yards, surrendered double-digit rushing touchdowns, and given up one of the league’s highest totals of explosive runs. Whether it’s missed tackles, poor gap integrity, or inconsistent second-level pursuit, Miami has not been able to consistently contain opposing running backs.
That vulnerability plays directly into Neal’s strengths. The rookie enters Week 13 with fresh legs, good burst, and the kind of downhill style that thrives against defenses that struggle to stay disciplined.
He has shown flashes in limited touches this year—good vision, patient footwork, and deceptive acceleration through the hole. What he has lacked is volume. That should change this week.
Even if Kamara suits up, the expectation is that he will be far from 100 percent. The Saints have no reason to push him into a heavy workload when the risk of aggravation is high and the alternative—a talented, hungry rookie—is sitting right behind him. Neal should see more opportunities than usual simply because the Saints cannot rely on Kamara to shoulder his typical share.
But if Kamara ends up being unable to play at all, the stage becomes Neal’s alone. In that scenario, he would step in as the clear No. 1 option, likely handling early-down work, goal-line carries, and potentially a role in the passing game.
And in a matchup where the Saints’ best path to victory may be to control the game on the ground, Neal could quickly become the focal point of the offense.
For every rookie running back, there’s a moment when the door opens—when the opportunity matches the talent. Week 13 is that moment for Devin Neal. Now it’s his turn to run with it.