RB Kendre Miller has plenty to prove this offseason

By Ross Jackson

There may not be a player on the New Orleans Saints offseason with more to prove than running back Kendre Miller. 

The 2023 third-round selection hasn’t been able to get his pro career off the ground just yet due to a lengthy list of injuries. 

He now may have one final chance to prove that he can be productive and healthy, facing a contract year and a crowded running back room. 

2023 – Knee, Ankle and Hamstring

His rookie season was marred with ailments including an MCL sprain in his right knee, with which he entered the league. That year he dealt with a number of injuries including knee, ankle and hamstring issues. 

He appeared in a career-high eight games that year, tallying 41 carries for 156 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown. He also reeled in 10 receptions for 117 receiving yards. 

2024 – Hamstring and Concussion

In 2024, he appeared in only the first day of training camp, during which he suffered a hamstring issue that kept him out to start the season. 

After returning to the field in Week 7, a hamstring injury a week later sent him back to Injured Reserve (IR), a move that was described to LouisianaSports.Net as a mismanagement of a minor situation. 

He would return from the curious IR appointment in Week 11 but suffered a concussion in Week 17 that ended his season a game early. 

2025 – ACL Tear

Last year, Miller appeared ready to shake his previous injury concerns and take advantage of the clean slate he was offered by head coach Kellen Moore and his new coaching staff. 

After a promising start, Miller’s season was eventually derailed, however. 

During the Week 7 matchup at the Chicago Bears, an emotional game for Miller as the team faced its former head coach, Dennis Allen, Miller suffered an ACL tear that ended his year. 

Before the injury, he had already achieved career highs in rushing attempts (47) and rushing yards (193). 

2026 – Not So Clean Slate

If 2025 represented a fresh start for Miller, 2026 represents a rebound opportunity. The talent of the running back has never been in question. He’s been productive and generated some highlight moments when available. It’s the consistency of his ability that is often critiqued. 

Following last year’s ACL injury, the clean slate he was promised is not in question. 

Making through another offseason and training camp unscathed is just the beginning for the former TCU rusher. He also has a crowded running back room with which to compete. 

The team added star back Travis Etienne Jr. in free agency this offseason and saw promise from a pair of 2025 additions, Devin Neal and Audric Estime. Each makes the path to a role, and perhaps even roster spot, a bit more challenging for the fourth-year back.