In Week 7, New Orleans Saints fans finally got what they’ve been waiting for: Kendre Miller on the field. After a hamstring injury during the first day of training camp sidelined him on injured reserve to start the season, Miller is now back and healthy, showing the potential he displayed during his rookie year.
Though his first action came during a blowout loss, it was still encouraging to see him play. Miller had eight touches, rushing six times for 36 yards and catching two passes for one yard. His 6 yards per carry, highlighted by a 16-yard run, excited the fans.
DA said Adebo will be a tough loss. Taylor will play more on the outside along w/ McKinstry.
DA said they want to get Kendre Miller more involved. "I think for him its some of the other things … the protection, the route definition, those are things he needs [to improve]"
— Katherine Terrell (@Kat_Terrell) October 22, 2024
Despite having a limited role in his first game back, fans are eager to see his involvement grow—and so is the team. The Saints are keen to expand Miller’s role, but they want him to develop further. On the WWL coaches show, head coach Dennis Allen shared that Miller needs to improve his pass protection and route-running to earn more opportunities.
Saints want to see Kendre Miller become an all-around running back
These challenges are common for young running backs; while running the ball can be straightforward, mastering pass protection and running precise routes are the critical details that distinguish professional running backs.
Much of that development comes from getting game reps, but injuries have hindered Miller’s ability to gain that experience. Unfortunately, he can’t reclaim that lost time, so he’ll need to adapt quickly, especially as the Saints look to turn their season around.
After seven weeks, it’s evident that the only running backs the team feels confident relying on are Alvin Kamara and Taysom Hill. However, Hill has missed several games due to injuries, and Kamara has been playing through his own health issues.
If a healthy Kendre Miller can step up and help shoulder the workload, it would not only ease the burden on his teammates but also inject some much-needed energy into the offense.
