The New Orleans Saints reminded everybody to not take anything for granted in the NFL when they released running back Kendre Miller. A 2023 third-round pick and the team's leading rusher on the season, it's a move that surprised many across the Who Dat Nation. The Saints are walking into Sunday with Alvin Kamara, Audric Estime, and practice squad elevation Zamir White.
A reason for the shock is because heading into the game this weekend, he will still be leading the team in carries (57) and rushing yards (159). However, Miller's 2.8 yards per carry, which is the third fewest among rushers with at least 40 carries, just might be too low for a team trying to quickly fix its rushing attack. His injury history surely didn't do anything to help change the decision, as he's missed 29 out of a possible 56 games in his career.
It comes after the Saints activated eighth-overall pick Jordyn Tyson off of injured reserve and is only the latest in a series of moves New Orleans has made to get their ground game going. Coming out of the bye, not only have they fired run-game coordinator T.J. Paganetti, but they've also now swapped with Kendre Miller with Estime, who they claimed off of waivers from the Cleveland Browns.
Saints are betting their run game on returning RB Audric Estime
Estime isn't an unfamiliar face; he was with the Saints last year, throughout this past offseason, and even into the 2026 regular season. However, he was waived with an injury settlement and bounced around before New Orleans had a chance to bring him back. Fortunately, Estime is a player who has performed well in this offense, gaining 94 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries against the Tennessee Titans in Week 17 last season.
With Miller now gone, Donaldson ruled out, and Alvin Kamara coming off a limited week of practice, it'll be Estime that will see the bulk of the carries on Sunday, ironically against the team that just waived him. He'll truly be critical to the game plan, not only because he's the Saints' healthiest running back but also because Cleveland's run defense is near the bottom of the NFL.
Heading into the week nine matchup, the Saints have managed to average a 28th worst 86 rushing yards per game. When they take the field this Sunday, they better hope that the moves they made are the right ones, or else even more will have to be made.
Audric Estimé finds the end zone. Hell of a run. pic.twitter.com/eGBvga6rH7
— Matt Freeman (@mattfreeman05_) December 28, 2025
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