There aren’t a lot of players in the New Orleans Saints’ locales room with more riding on training camp than running back Kendre Miller.
After three seasons of promising flashes but consistent injuries, Miller is entering what feels like a make-or-break training camp session ahead of the 2026 season.
Entering a contract year, the running back’s talent is undeniable. His ability to run, catch and protect in and out of the backfield have created a number of highlight moments. His unique combination of speed and big-bodied physicality make him a tough ball-carrier to bring down for opposing defenses and his relentless, never-give-up attitude has created some impressive feats.
However, with knee, hamstring and (most recently) an ACL tear sidelining him for multiple games in each of the last three seasons, Miller’s proof of concept this offseason isn’t about performance. Instead, it’s all about availability.
The Saints’ running back room is in flux. With the addition of Travis Etienne Jr., the contract renegotiation that kept Alvin Kamara in black and gold and several returning backs vying for roles, competition will be fierce.
Making the team’s immediate active roster is no longer a guarantee for any player in the room behind Etienne and Kamara.
Miller, as well as the rest of his cohort, will have to be available first and foremost throughout camp and then must maximize the opportunities ahead of them.
There’s not much reason to question Miller’s talent, though ACL recoveries often come with much interrogation, but this training camp is still an incredibly important one for his future in New Orleans as he enters the final year of his deal.
