Saints star rookie running back Alvin Kamara is still progressing through the NFL’s concussion protocol, but it’s reported that he expects to play Sunday against the New York Jets. A Saints spokesman said Kamara still has to clear certain benchmarks before being allowed to play.

Meanwhile on Monday Night Football, it’s clear the Patriots are struggling without suspended star tight end Rob Gronkowski, as New England Quarterback Tom Brady was intercepted by the Dolphins twice; and the underdog Miami went on to beat the Pats 27-20. Gronk is punished for one game for a late hit on former LSU, now-Bills cornerback Tre-Davious White last weekend. The Patriots can still put themselves in prime position for a top seed in the AFC playoffs with a win on the road against the Steelers.

The LSU football team begins practice today for the Citrus Bowl against Notre Dame on New Years Day. It’s the first of 15 workouts before the game in Florida.

SMU will reportedly hire former Louisiana Tech Coach Sonny Dykes as its new head coach. A news conference is slated for today.

Last night the Pelicans went toe-to-toe in the game, but couldn’t hang on against one of the best team’s in the NBA. The Rockets rallied for the 130-123 victory over New Orleans and Houston has now won 10 straight. But the 14-14 Pels had one of its most explosive outings of the year, even without star forward Anthony Davis. They’ll face Milwaukee tomorrow.

Former Calvary Baptist star Shea Patterson has decided he’ll play at Michigan next season. Because of the NCAA sanctions that have hit Ole Miss, Patterson will be able to play for the Wolverines in 2018. In seven games for the Rebels in 2017, Patterson threw for 2,259 yards and 17 touchdowns. Michigan needs a QB, they went through three this season.

In college hoops, LSU forward Duop Reath was named the Southeastern Conference player of the week Monday after pouring in a career high 30 points in the Tigers win over UNC Wilmington on Sunday.

Tonight on the hardwood, ULM hosts Grambling. Southeastern travels to face Central Florida, and Louisiana Tech welcomes in-state rival UL-Lafayette.