Kendre Miller’s offensive role continues to grow

Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

By Ross Jackson

After a change at head coach, prospects quickly began to look up for third-year running back Kendre Miller. Once the New Orleans Saints hired Kellen Moore to lead the way for the team and offense, it was quickly expected that Miller’s role and possibly workload would grow.

So far, throughout the beginning of the 2025 season, that expectation has come to reality.

Since Week 1, both the back’s snaps and carries have ticked up.

Week 1: 11 snaps (14.7%) and five carries
Week 2: 11 snaps (15.5%) and five carries
Week 3: 20 snaps (27.4%) and seven carries
Week 4: 21 snaps (31.3%) and 11 carries
Week 5: 26 snaps (39.4%) and 10 carries

Miller’s snap count in Week 5 was likely impacted by a first half injury sustained by starter Alvin Kamara. But that Miller is healthy enough to help the team deal with ailments elsewhere is a huge development for the former TCU star.

Kamara’s injury happened in the first half of the game, per source. Felt a little sore today in practice and backed off of it. https://t.co/Zvu0LOFB7h

— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) October 8, 2025

Either way, the 60/40 snap share split between Miller and starting running back Kamara is closer to what many thought might become the case soon after Miller was drafted. But injuries kept that from happening. This year, Miller has been healthy and productive, especially after contact.

Per Next Gen Stats, Miller ranks No. 4 in yards after contact per carry among all backs with at least 20 carries in the year so far.

Additionally, Miller has seen his carry share tick up as well from 22.7% in Week 1 to near or over 30% in Weeks 4 and 5.

The bruising rusher is finally seeing the opportunities come his way and is finding ways to make good on them.

“It means everything,” Miller said when asked about his uptick in usage. “Last week (Buffalo) they told me they was going to give me the ball more. It feels good hearing that from the offensive coordinator, head coach and everybody that they feel like I should have the ball when it’s a lot of people we’ve got to feed … I’ve just got to keep making plays with the opportunities I get.”