The Kendre Miller hype train comes to a screeching halt in the same unfortunate fashion it has the previous two seasons. The New Orleans Saints tore his ACL early in the Week 7 matchup against the Chicago Bears. NFL Insider Jordan Schultz reported it first before Kellen Moore confirmed it
It felt like everything was starting to come together for Miller. He was seeing more touches and remained his explosive self. All of the reasons to believe in Miller were evident. With a game against Dennis Allen on the horizon, fans put more fuel into the hype train. One carry into the game, though, he was out with a knee injury that was later revealed to a torn ACL.
This has been the story for Miller throughout his career. When Kellen Moore mentioned giving Miller a clean slate this season, it had nothing to do with performance. The clean slate was Moore not judging Miller off his injury-riddled past. Unfortunately, Miller suffered another injury, and this is the worst one of his professional career.
Kendre Miller's injury may cost him more than just a season with the Saints
Miller has had primarily suffered injuries that he could come back from, hamstrings and things of that nature. This is the first time he’s suffered an injury that was season-ending no matter when it happened. It also could be the injury that costs Miller everything in New Orleans.
Players return from ACL injuries faster and better these days, but it's still tough to bank on him being the same player as before. His past injuries factor in to a possible departure from the Saints. It wouldn't be a shocking decision from the team this offseason.
Additionally, Miller's absence should give Devin Neal an opportunity to prove himself to the coaching staff. It's a role many envisioned for Miller this year. With 10 games left this season, Neal's role should quickly grow, and his evaluation will be fully underway.
It’s hard not to feel for Miller. He was playing good football. Fans never seemed to turn on or give up on Miller like other players with a poor injury track record. There was still the belief in Miller as the heir apparent to Kamara. 3 straight seasons with less than 9 games under his belt make that a tough sell.