We’ll file this one under “Not worth worrying about, but still newsworthy.” The New Orleans Saints will gather for rookie minicamps this coming weekend but don’t expect to see much from running back Kendre Miller.
The team’s third-round draft pick is still recovering from a meniscus injury that kept him out of TCU’s College Football Playoff National Championship bid (though he said at the time his knee was at 50% of where it should be, while weighing his options, officially listed as questionable for the game), and ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports that the Saints aren’t in a rush to get him on the field:
Saints GM Mickey Loomis said pre-draft that running back Alvin Kamara‘s potential suspension wouldn’t influence which players the Saints draft. But the flexibility third-round back Kendre Miller out of TCU provides the position isn’t lost on the team. New Orleans ranked Miller highly in the running back class, believes in his game and loves the promise, once he figures out the pass-catching and pass-blocking components. He’s already a vicious downhill runner, and though the Saints are eager to see him in action, they will likely take it easy with him in offseason workouts and leading up to training camp while he recovers from his meniscus injury. But New Orleans might need Miller sooner than expected.
Miller is on track to return for training camp, but there’s a chance he hits the field at the same time Kamara flies out to Las Vegas for his next court appearance. The rookie has already made his intentions of coming for the top spot very clear, and he’s poised to help his case by continuing to recover from his injury so he can join the team for practice at full health.
He’s an exciting prospect. Despite this injury, Miller brings fresh legs to a running backs room that badly needs it — he’s one of the youngest players in this draft class (he doesn’t turn 21 until June) and he only has 361 career carries behind him. For context, Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry led the NFL with 349 rushing attempts last season. Miller needs more reps in pass protection and receiving drills, but he’ll have every opportunity to succeed once his body is right.
