Where is Alvin Kamara? Why Saints RB was suspended to start 2023 NFL season

09-18-2023
3 min read

When New Orleans goes marching in on Monday, they'll do it without one of their Saints.

Stalwart running back Alvin Kamara won't be on the field when New Orleans faces off against division rival Carolina on Monday night, and it's for good reason. 

Kamara had a run-in with the law for an incident that happened over a year ago in a Las Vegas nightclub, proving that not everything that happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.

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Here's why a trip to Sin City ended pretty poorly for the Saint running back:

Where is Alvin Kamara?

Kamara has been suspended three games by the NFL after violating the league's personal conduct policy. It was a suspension that was over a year in the making.

On Feb. 6, 2022, following the Pro Bowl in Las Vegas, Kamara was arrested and charged with battery resulting in substantial bodily harm following an incident at a local nightclub.

Video caught Kamara repeatedly punching a man. Kamara initially pleaded not guilty to the misdemeanor charge of committing battery and the felony charge of substantial bodily harm on March 2. He later pleaded no contest, and Kamara was ordered to pay for the victim's medical expenses. He was also fined and had to perform 30 hours of community service.

Kamara was regretful over the incident.

"I never want to be involved in something where someone gets hurt or severely injured or anything. Poor judgment on my end. Definitely a bad decision," Kamara said. "I was completely wrong. I embarrassed the Saints, I embarrassed my family and my mother. I embarrassed myself, embarrassed the city, and the shield, obviously, embarrassed the NFL."

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Alvin Kamara return date

As he's suspended the first three games of the 2023 NFL season, Kamara will return in Week 4 against the Buccaneers on Oct. 1. Kamara will miss games vs. the Titans, Panthers and Packers. 

Saints RB depth chart

With Kamara on the suspended list, the team turns to recently signed running back Jamaal Williams to take the lion's share of the snaps entering the season. 

Behind Williams, the Saints have 2023 third-round pick Kendre Miller and undrafted free agent Kirk Merritt, who is listed as a wide receiver. 

Rank Player Experience
1 Alvin Kamara (Suspended) Seven years
2 Jamaal Williams Seven years
3 Kendre Miller Rookie
4 Kirk Merritt Four years