Jun 10, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (5) runs running back drills during minicamp at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
There are a few players headed into the New Orleans Saints’ 2025 season that have to prove they can contribute consistently in order to lock down a meaningful role moving forward.
For third-year running back Kendre Miller, he falls into this category not because of a question of talent, which he clearly possesses at a high level, but because of his looming health concerns.
Miller’s Health
Concerns that were elevated last season because of the curious handling of a minor injury of Miller’s by former coach Dennis Allen. The result of what was referred to as “mismanagement” led to Miller’s second appointment on the Injured Reserve list last year.
Had that situation not unfolded the way that it did, some inside the facility believed that Miller could have been back in the field the very next week. There’s a chance that the back’s season would have seen much more success had that change led to more opportunity.
Many Snaps Available
Opportunity shouldn’t be limited for Miller this season, however. With a new staff in place and a fresh start for the 2023 third-round pick, if Miller can stay healthy and in the field, he will have a real chance to impress and solidify his spot for the future.
With no timetable for return for versatile offensive weapon Taysom Hill, who has been the team’s second-leading rusher every year since 2021, there will be reps available to go around. Miller, who just turned 23 in June, could take advantage of that and be the team’s first running back to the second-leading rusher behind star back Alvin Kamara since Latavius Murray five years ago.
If he can do that, stay in the field and take advantage of his opportunities, Miller could change the trajectory of his career in New Orleans entirely. And just in time, too, as the Saints drafted a talented running back in Devin Neal this year. The two could prove to be an option for the rushing tandem of the future.
