The New Orleans Saints faced another setback in their preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs as rookie running back Kendre Miller left the game with a knee injury. This injury raises concerns about the team’s already thin depth at the position, placing additional pressure on the coaching staff to find suitable replacements.
According to Saints coach Dennis Allen, Miller sprained his knee and will undergo further testing to assess the severity of the injury. It is believed that the injury is to Miller’s right knee, the same knee he injured in the Fiesta Bowl last December. This previous injury kept Miller sidelined until the start of training camp, as he worked on his rehabilitation during OTAs.
If the team does not sign another running back, the Saints will face a shortage of options at the position when the season begins. Starting running back Alvin Kamara is set to miss the first three games due to a suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. While Jamaal Williams will step in as the starter, Miller was expected to serve as his primary backup during Kamara’s absence.
In light of their diminishing roster depth, the Saints recently hosted free agent running back Kareem Hunt for a visit. However, Hunt left New Orleans without participating in a workout. Hunt has since met with the Indianapolis Colts and the Minnesota Vikings but has yet to sign with a team. This leaves the Saints with limited immediate options to bolster their backfield.
Rookie Ellis Merriweather is currently the only other running back available on the Saints’ roster behind Kamara and Williams. Converted wide receiver Kirk Merritt is also sidelined with an injury, further limiting the team’s choices. In the preseason game against the Chiefs, Merriweather showed promise, carrying the ball nine times for 24 yards and hauling in two receptions for 17 yards, including a touchdown catch late in the game.
Following the game, Coach Allen acknowledged Merriweather’s performance, praising his physical running style and the positive impact he made on the field. Despite a promising outing, the Saints still face the challenge of finding suitable reinforcements to compensate for Miller’s absence.
The New Orleans Saints are confronted with the reality of a young running back suffering a knee injury. This setback exacerbates the team’s existing concerns about their running back depth, particularly with Alvin Kamara’s suspension looming at the beginning of the season. The Saints must now explore their options, considering potential signings and evaluating the potential of their remaining available running backs. As they navigate this challenge, they hope to secure a capable roster to support their offensive goals in the upcoming season.
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