New Orleans Saints rookie running back Alvin Kamara's full participation in practice Wednesday provided optimism on his availability for Sunday's matchup against the New York Jets.

Coach Sean Payton offered additional hope during a Thursday morning teleconference that Kamara is ready to get back on the field after suffering a concussion in Week 14.

"We all anticipate him playing," Payton said. "That's the expectation."

The dual-threat Kamara was heavily involved in the Saints' opening drive against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 14 with four touches (one carry for 2 yards, three catches for 25 yards).

But a crushing helmet-to-helmet hit from Falcons linebacker Deion Jones knocked Kamara out of the game, and the Saints missed Kamara's big-play ability in a 20-17 loss.

Kamara's anticipated return in Week 15 sets up well for the Saints' ground attack, which ranks fourth in the league (135.5 yards rushing per game).

A healthy Kamara combined with backfield mate Mark Ingram, who is sixth in the league in rushing with 971 yards, will face a Jets' run defense ranked 21st in the league (116.9 yards allowed per game).

On the season, Kamara has amassed 608 yards rushing and seven touchdowns on 87 carries, averaging an eye-popping 7 yards per attempt. He also has 62 catches for 639 yards and four touchdowns.