Saints' Kamara: 'It feels good to be back' after 3-game suspension

New Orleans Saints star running back Alvin Kamara is glad to be back on the team after missing the first three games of the season due to suspension.

"It's weird not playing," Kamara said Wednesday, according to Nola.com's Luke Johnson. "So obviously, it feels good to be back out there with teammates, and it feels good to be back out there running, moving around, finally get to play a game."

The five-time Pro Bowler is eligible to play in Week 4 after missing the Saints' first three games for violating the league's personal conduct policy. Kamara reached a plea agreement in July to avoid facing a felony charge for his alleged role in a fight outside a Las Vegas nightclub in 2022.

"You don't just replace Alvin Kamara," quarterback Derek Carr said about the tailback's influence on the Saints' offense.

It's unclear if Carr will return for Sunday's contest after he sprained the AC joint in his throwing shoulder during last Sunday's loss to the Green Bay Packers.

New Orleans also placed running back Jamaal Williams on injured reserve because of a hamstring injury. Kamara is expected to regain his role as a starter among a stable of runners that includes Tony Jones Jr. and Kendre Miller.

"There's some things I do that opens up our offense a little more - for everybody, not just for me," Kamara said.

The 28-year-old tallied at least 1,300 scrimmage yards in each of his six seasons with the Saints.

New Orleans is averaging 314.7 total yards per game (20th in NFL) and 3.41 yards per carry (27th in NFL).

Kamara and the Saints will host NFC South rivals the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.