Ex TCU Star Has Opportunity to Step Up for Saints Amid Alvin Kamara Injury Concerns

Former TCU running back Kendre Miller could be in line for an expanded role with the New Orleans Saints as veteran running back Alvin Kamara continues to deal with a back injury.

Kamara was a limited participant in practice Thursday, marking his second consecutive limited session as the Saints prepare for their Week 6 matchup against the New York Giants. With Kamara's availability still uncertain, Miller has an opportunity to establish himself as a more prominent part of New Orleans' offense.

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The Saints have already been dealing with a depleted running back room after Travis Etienne landed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. If Kamara's back continues to limit him, Miller could become the team's leading option on the ground.

Miller showed some promise in New Orleans' latest outing, a 23-13 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Oct. 11. The former Horned Frog carried the ball 10 times for 30 yards and scored a touchdown on a two-yard run. Although he averaged just three yards per carry, he received more opportunities than either of the Saints' other running backs.

Kamara, meanwhile, had a difficult afternoon against Minnesota's defense. He recorded just three carries for 12 yards and caught two passes for minus-six yards, finishing with five touches and six total yards from scrimmage.

Those numbers illustrate the opportunity available to Miller if Kamara cannot return to full strength. Miller already outpaced the veteran in carries against Minnesota, and the Saints could lean more heavily on the younger back if Kamara's injury limits his workload again.

However, Miller will need to make the most of his chances. His 30 rushing yards against Minnesota were not particularly impressive, and New Orleans' offense struggled to generate consistent production throughout the game. Turning additional carries into more efficient runs will be important if Miller hopes to earn the coaching staff's trust.

The matchup against the Giants could provide a valuable opportunity for the Saints to evaluate their backfield options. New York has struggled to contain opposing running backs this season, making the matchup potentially favorable for a New Orleans ground game looking for a spark.

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For Miller, the situation represents a chance to build momentum and demonstrate why the Saints selected him in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. His time at TCU established him as a productive college runner, but injuries and limited opportunities have made consistency at the professional level difficult to achieve.

With Kamara's status still developing and Etienne unavailable, Miller has a chance to turn an uncertain situation into a meaningful opportunity.