The New Orleans Saints have released a pair of injury reports ahead of their season opener versus the Detroit Lions. Read it five times and you won't see Kendre Miller's name anywhere on those lists.
Miller sat out of practice last week with an injury, and had some fans concerned with his availability for Week 1. It was essentially a bye week for the team last week, so you can't blame them for being cautious. At the same time, you can't blame fans for being easily concerned.
Miller's injury history is well documented, so every injury is going to elicit a reaction no matter how minor it could be. In this case it was nothing, and it'll be interesting to see just how big of a role Miller has in the offense this week.
Kendre Miller could have a role regardless if Alvin Kamara is ready to play
It’s impossible to discuss the impact of a healthy Miller without including Alvin Kamara in the conversation. So much of the importance of the start of the season for Miller was the ability to take advantage of an absent Kamara. It was a one to two week audition for what could be his case for why the Saints should keep him around next season.
It’s certainly drastic and a lot of weight to put on two games, but it was also set up to be Miller’s biggest opportunity. Kamara looks like he’s approaching a return to action quicker than expected, but what does that mean for Miller?
Miller is going to miss on the chance to split carries with Travis Etienne. It’s unclear what that split would have looked like, but Kamara returning definitely cuts into whatever it would have been for Miller.
Because Kamara is coming back from a lengthy absence, there’s a chance the Saints try to manage his workload early, and that leaves the door cracked just enough for Miller. Don’t expect him to be completely phased out of the game just because he’s third on the depth chart.
Miller is an explosive running back, and explosive plays are the way for him to demand more time. It may not even be a handful of carries at first, and slow and steady won’t force Kellen Moore’s hand. If he can show the burst consistently, however, Miller could find himself getting up to 7 carries a game.
It isn’t about pushing Kamara out. The Saints have all the makings of a three headed monster when healthy. Health aside for the moment, Miller just has to show reason to go from focusing on a duo to focusing on a trio.
With slightly elevated opportunities as Kamara eases back, Miller could take this time to prove why it’s more than just Etienne and Kamara that make the Saints backfield dangerous.
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