For what feels like the first time in Kendre Miller's pro career, there is positive injury news to share about the running back. Mickey Loomis shocked New Orleans Saints fans when he announced Kendre Miller was "good to go" for training camp.
Miller tore his ACL in the middle of the year, and there was an expectation that he'd start camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list. He was able to dodge that designation just 9 months after the injury.
It's a welcomed surprise, because no one has ever questioned what Miller can do on the field. He has the burst and physicality to be a good running back. He just has to stay on the field, and the first step to Miller staying on the field is getting on the field.
Kendre Miller couldn't afford to start Saints camp on the shelf
The Saints running back room has more talent in it than it has in recent years, so that means more competition for Miller. It used to be a foregone conclusion Miller was going to make the roster. He was young, a recent investment and the talent behind him wasn't going to push the running back.
Outside of his age, the other benefits have changed for Miller. He's no longer a recent investment, and the investments the Saints made after him could push for the roster spot.
If the Saints kept four running backs and the final two spots went to Audric Estime and Devin Neal, running back would still be a talent filled room. That's why it was important for Miller to return as quick as possible.
Starting camp off of the PUP list gives Miller a chance to truly compete with Neal and Estime. Miller still has the edge from a talent perspective, but years of injuries make it difficult to guarantee him a spot simply off talent when other talented options are present.
The more time Miller spent not competing, the more opportunities Miller had to fall behind. He may not be able to do everything right away, but at least he's able to showcase something. In a race this tight, that holds a lot of weight.
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