In the 2023 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints selected Kendre Miller in the third round to pair with veteran backs Jamaal Williams and Alvin Kamara. But the promising rookie has had a minor setback to start his professional football career. How will it affect his fantasy football outlook?
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What Happened to Kendre Miller?
During the preseason game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Saints, Miller was forced to leave the matchup early due to a sprained knee. To add even more concern to the situation, it was the same knee that was injured during the College Football Playoff bout between TCU and Michigan that forced Miller to sit out the Scouting Combine.
Fortunately, medical tests determined that the sprain was not serious, and he should not miss any regular-season action.
At the time of this writing, Miller is currently practicing with the team after suffering the injury just five days ago. This is a spectacular turnaround for both the Saints and Miller. For the time being, it appears that he has dodged a major knee injury.
What Are the Saints’ Options if Kendre Miller Misses Time?
The Saints could be forced to roll out some perplexing backfield combinations early in the season if Miller cannot play. Kamara has been suspended for the first three games of the year, leaving only Williams.
The team does have Taysom Hill, a do-it-all tight end that could take running back snaps if the team was in a pinch and needed help. New Orleans brought in Kareem Hunt shortly after the injury occurred, but Hunt moved on without a deal.
Later, it was announced that the team had signed former LSU back Darrel Williams. He projects to be a depth piece after playing only six games with the Arizona Cardinals in the 2022 season.
Again, the Saints only need to make running back contingency plans for the first three games of the season because they will already be without Kamara due to suspension. But once he returns, even if Miller were to somehow miss even more time into the season, an Alvin Kamara-Jamaal Williams rotation would be a respectable duo in the NFL.
What Does This Mean for Kendre Miller’s Fantasy Ranking?
In redraft leagues, Miller’s draft position should remain relatively steady. There could be action in the dynasty streets over this knee injury, as it is the same knee where he suffered a much more severe sprain that forced him to miss out on the Combine.
Dynasty managers may fret over the same knee having issues and might be ready to move on from the former TCU star. Based on the new information that Miller is now practicing with the team, and the Saints only bringing in Darrel Williams, Miller’s dynasty and redraft stock should remain unharmed as he continues acclimating to the NFL.
If any further reports come out concerning knee swelling or stiffness, then his ADP could face a precipitous drop.