Perry Knotts/Getty Images
New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller was limited to eight games as a rookie, and he reportedly is set to miss time to begin his sophomore campaign as well.
According to NFL insider Josina Anderson, the Saints are placing Miller on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury, ruling him out for at least the first four games of the year.
According to Luke Johnson of Nola.com, Miller suffered the injury just “minutes” into the Saints’ first training camp practice. He has not taken the field since, missing all three of New Orleans’ preseason games.
The Saints selected Miller with a third-round pick in the 2023 draft. He missed the first two games of the year with a hamstring injury, and an ankle injury later in the season cost him another seven games. In his eight appearances, Miller notched 156 yards and a touchdown on 41 carries while adding 10 catches for 117 yards.
Johnson noted that Miller “was potentially in line for a bigger role in new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak’s scheme.” The Saints have a solid duo in five-time Pro Bowler Alvin Kamara and veteran backup Jamaal Williams. Following Miller’s injury, 2023 undrafted free agent Jordan Mims is now more of a lock to make the 53-man roster and earn time as the team’s No. 3 running back. Mims led New Orleans during the preseason with 108 rushing yards on 25 carries.
The Saints will open the season on Sept. 8 in a division matchup against the Carolina Panthers. The earliest Miller will be able to return from IR will be the team’s Week 5 matchup against the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs.
