New Orleans Saints Rookie Running Back Kendre Miller Suffers Knee Injury in Preseason Opener
The New Orleans Saints faced a setback in their preseason opener against the Kansas City Chiefs as rookie running back Kendre Miller left the game with a knee injury. This injury could potentially impact the team’s depth at the position, which has already been a concern for the Saints.
According to Saints coach Dennis Allen, Miller sprained his knee and will undergo further testing to determine the severity of the injury. Allen believes that the injury is to Miller’s right knee, the same knee that he injured in the Fiesta Bowl last December. This previous injury kept Miller off the field until the beginning of training camp as he focused on his rehabilitation during OTAs.
Miller left the field in the third quarter and went to the injury tent on the sideline before eventually walking to the locker room. Unfortunately, he did not return to the game, leaving his status uncertain for future preseason matchups.
The Saints are already facing a shortage of running backs heading into the regular season. Starting running back Alvin Kamara will miss the first three games due to a suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. While Jamaal Williams is expected to start in Kamara’s absence, Miller was projected to be his immediate backup during this time.
In an effort to address their running back depth, the Saints recently hosted free agent running back Kareem Hunt for a visit. This visit came after Eno Benjamin suffered an Achilles injury in practice. However, Hunt left New Orleans without working out and has since visited other teams, including the Indianapolis Colts and Minnesota Vikings, without signing a contract.
With Miller’s injury and no additional signings at the position, rookie Ellis Merriweather is currently the only available running back on the Saints’ roster behind Kamara and Williams. The team’s depth has been further depleted as Kirk Merritt, a converted wide receiver who was expected to contribute at running back, is also dealing with an injury.
Despite the challenges, Merriweather showcased his potential in the preseason opener. He had nine carries for 24 yards and caught two passes for 17 yards, including a 2-yard reception for a touchdown late in the game. Coach Allen praised Merriweather’s physicality and performance, highlighting his strong running ability.
As the Saints navigate through the preseason and prepare for the regular season, they will need to address their running back situation. Whether it’s through signing a free agent like Hunt or exploring other options, finding a reliable backup for Kamara and Williams will be crucial to the team’s success.
Injuries are an unfortunate part of football, and the Saints will need to adapt and make the necessary adjustments to overcome these challenges. The upcoming preseason games will provide an opportunity for other players to step up and prove themselves in the absence of Miller.
The Saints’ coaching staff and front office will be closely monitoring Miller’s injury and making decisions based on his recovery timeline. The hope is that he can return to the field as soon as possible and contribute to the team’s success in his rookie season.
As fans eagerly await updates on Miller’s condition, they can take solace in the fact that the Saints have shown resilience in the face of adversity before. With a talented roster and experienced coaching staff, the team has the potential to overcome these obstacles and continue their pursuit of a successful season.
In the meantime, all eyes will be on the Saints as they navigate through the remainder of the preseason and prepare for their regular-season opener. The running back position will be a focal point of attention, and fans will be eagerly watching to see how the team addresses their depth concerns.
The New Orleans Saints have faced their fair share of challenges in recent years, but they have consistently found ways to overcome adversity. With their sights set on a successful season, the team will need to rally together and find solutions to their running back depth concerns. Only time will tell how this situation unfolds, but one thing is for certain – the Saints will not back down from the challenge.