After returning from injury, New Orleans Saints running back Audric Estime retook the field looking to be an as effective a runner as he was before the injury against the Jacksonville Jaguars happened.
That’s great news for the running back, who appears to be in line for a roster spot as the NFL’s cutdown date approaches. The former Notre Dame back recorded 46 carries for the Saints last year after he being claimed off waivers. He totaled 198 rushing yards (4.3 yards per carry) and one touchdown rush.
Now, his focus, as he looks to remain with the Saints for a second year, is on becoming a complete back for the team.
“Every time I’m out there, I want to get better,” he said following the team’s final training camp practice. “I want to make the next showing better than the last. I always want to make sure that I’m able to showcase what I’m able to do. Become an all-down back, be able to show that I’m a complete back.”
A complete back must master everything his position requires. Run on early downs, catch or pass protect on third down and contribute in other areas outside of the offense.
“I can play all three downs,” Estime said. “I (am) able to play special teams. I can do whatever I need to do.”
As for his injury, the third-year running back appears to be healthy and ready to get back to action. He took a hit in the flats after a catch out of the backfield that appeared to drive his leg downward from an awkward angle.
The result was an ankle injury that kept him out of the joint practices against the Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Rams as well as the second preseason game.
Now, he’s itching to be back in a live game.
“I’m feeling good,” he said. ”I definitely had to get my body right a little bit. I got dinged up a little bit, but I’m blessed that it wasn’t anything serious. I was able to be in the weight room a lot last week and able to study the plays more and I watched from home. But I’m just ready to be back out there. It was great to be back out there practicing with the guys this week, but I’m ready to play football. I’m ready to play a game.”
He’ll get that opportunity Friday night in the team’s preseason finale against the Cowboys. Ty Chandler is now on Injured Reserve, while Alvin Kamara and Devin Neal continue to manage injuries. Starting running back Travis Etienne Jr. also isn’t expected to take the field.
That leaves Estime among a small group of running backs expected to share the workload in the preseason finale.
Estime and Kendre Miller have emerged as the frontrunners to round out the running back room on the initial 53-man roster. He should be able to solidify that standing with a positive performance in Dallas.
