What’s the latest on New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller’s injury status? Should you select him in your fantasy football draft? Here’s everything you need to know.
Kendre Miller Injury Update
By now, you’ve heard the quote from Dennis Allen that Kendre Miller can’t “make the team from the trainer’s table,” and that really tells you all you need to know.
The 2023 third-round pick has dealt with a litany of injuries that are stunting not only his physical growth as an NFL running back, but also his ability to work into the good graces of those whose job it is to get him the ball.
Jamaal Williams remains on this roster, but he is 29 years old and coming off of the worst season of his career (2.9 yards per carry).
I still think Miller will make the Saints, and I’m more comfortable than most in betting against Kamara this season. So it should tell you something when I say that I have yet to pick up my first share of Miller.
Kendre Miller’s Fantasy Outlook
There is really only one path to Miller having fantasy value this season outside of Kamara either getting hurt or being completely done, which, at least for his receiving role, is unlikely. Miller needs the primary goal-line role.
Since Mark Ingram left, the Saints have allowed Kamara to be the goal-line back. Now 29 years old, New Orleans would prefer Miller to emerge. Otherwise, we’re looking at the dreaded two-down back who doesn’t catch passes and doesn’t get goal-line carries. That is never someone we want in fantasy.
The good news is we don’t have to pay much to find out if Miller can make a Year 2 leap. He’s going off the board as the RB52, No. 194 overall.
I won’t fault anyone for taking a shot on an unknown young player. Miller is certainly preferable to more established veterans with capped ceilings. Nevertheless, I’m not overly optimistic he can be more than a serviceable RB3, and I want more upside than that.