By Ross Jackson
NEW ORLEANS — The running back room may get a little stronger this week as the New Orleans Saints see the return of their 2023 third-round selection. Running back Kendre Miller, who suffered a hamstring injury that caused him to miss all of training camp after the first day, returned to practice on Thursday ahead of the team’s Week 5 matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs. Miller was placed on Injured Reserve (IR) to begin the season and was eligible to return following Week 4.
The return to practice indicates that his practice window is open. However, that doesn’t mean he will be activated in time to take the field against the Chiefs. The team can have him at practice for up to three weeks before a final decision to roster him or send him back to IR has to be made. Getting Miller back soon could give the Saints a bit of a boost in the run game beyond fellow back Alvin Kamara and do-it-all weapon Taysom Hill along with Jamaal Williams’ contributions.
Miller was not the only high-profile return to practice on Thursday. Though there were also some notable absences to know. Here is the attendance from the portion of Thursday’s practice that was open to the media:
Not Seen:
LB Willie Gay Jr. (Hand)
TE Taysom Hill (Abdomen)
OL Cesar Ruiz (Knee)
OL Shane Lemieux
OL Chris Reed
DE Payton Turner
Returned:
WR A.T. Perry
RB Kendre Miller
LB Demario Davis
Getting Davis back should feel like a “just in time” moment for Saints fans. With Gay Jr. currently managing an injury that looks like it will sideline him for some time, Davis’ return is pivotal.
Players that have been managing injuries like Kamara and safety Tyrann Mathieu were back present and actively involved. Further good news for the Saints.
