The New Orleans Saints received an unfortunate update on running back Kendre Miller following his exit from the Saints 26-14 loss to the Chicago Bears on Sunday. Miller has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with a torn ACL. The injury occurred on Miller’s first and only carry of the game.
Here’s an alternate angle of the injury:
The New Orleans’ RB2 had been carving out a significant role in the Saints offense behind Alvin Kamara through the first six weeks of the season, logging 193 yards and a touchdown on 47 carries. He had been a very solid option behind Kamara, averaging over four YPC, more than Kamara.
Now, Kamara will surely see his volume increase, though his effectiveness may be stunted if he is carrying the bal 20+ times per game. The Saints RB3 in the depth chart is Devin Neal, who has logged just three carries this season.
Miller Injury Likely Guarantees Kamara Won’t Be Traded
The NFL trade deadline is quickly looming and Alvin Kamara was one of a few running backs in the league who was rumored to be on the market, though he was vocal about wanting to stay in New Orleans.
Whether the Saints were actually shopping the nine-year veteran or not, Miller’s injury update should quell any ideas of him leaving New Orleans. He is now the only true NFL running back remaining on the Saints roster.
With that being said, it would have been cool to see such a dynamic running back move to a playoff contending team like the Chargers or Patriots, who are both in need of help in the backfield. Kamara will carry the ball a ton for the remainder of the season, but it will all be for naught as the Saints are barreling towards a top pick in the NFL Draft.
NFC South Shaping Up To Be Competitive Down The Stretch
What was projected to be one of the worst divisions in the NFL at the start of the season has become pretty interesting the last few weeks, outside of the Saints unfortunately.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers looked like they were going to run away with the division, and still very well may, but the Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons aren’t going to be easy teams for the Bucs to play down the stretch.
Carolina has burst onto the scene with three straight wins following an ugly 1-3 start. Bryce Young has finally started to play up to his potential as he’s now up to 11 touchdowns on the season and has only thrown two picks in the last three weeks.
Meanwhile, the Falcons sit at 3-3 after a tight loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday night football, but had beat the Buffalo Bills and the Washington Commanders the two weeks prior. Drake London and Kyle Pitts have started to come alive in the pass game for Michael Penix Jr. while Bijan Robinson remains one of the best backs in the NFL.
Tampa Bay has a tough opponent waiting in the Detroit Lions on Monday night, and if they fall to 5-2, Carolina and Atlanta will be within striking distance in the division.
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