The New Orleans Saints started Saturday with some stunners being set to activate both rookie wide receiver Jordyn Tyson and starting left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. However, one of the moves that set everything into motion was an important opportunity for running back Audric Estime, who the team brought back to New Orleans early in the Week 9 practice week.
After releasing back Kendre Miller, Estime’s role has gone from a complementary option, part of a three-back rotation, to a featured role alongside veteran back Alvin Kamara.
Estime averaged 4.3 yards per carry last year, which would be tied for first place among running backs this season. He also holds one of the two 20-plus yard rushes by running backs the team has achieved since the beginning of the 2025 season.
It was a surprise when the team reached an injury settlement with Estime to start the season despite his favorable contributions to a struggling run team.
Now that he’s back, he’ll be immediately thrust into a pivotal role as Travis Etienne Jr. remains sidelined with a hamstring injury and C.J. Donaldson is out with concussion and shoulder ailments.
Where Estime can be most beneficial will be on early-down runs. The Saints’ opponent on Sunday, the Cleveland Browns, have forced the most third and longs (60) in the NFL as a defense. Those third-and-seven or longer situations are ones the Saints would like to avoid, as they convert in those plays just 28.6% of the time.
If Estime can help the team stay ahead of the chains with their new rushing approach, he could quickly go from a recent addition to a key piece looking ahead and help New Orleans return to being competitive inside the NFC South.
