Kendre Miller won’t be on the Saints’ Week 1 injury report, and that alone is enough to calm a lot of nerves in New Orleans.
After sitting out practice last week with an injury, Miller had some fans wondering whether he’d be available for the season opener against the Detroit Lions. The Saints released a pair of injury reports ahead of the game, and his name was nowhere to be found on either one. Given his injury history, that was always going to trigger a reaction, even if the issue turned out to be minor.
Last week’s absence came during what was essentially a bye week for the team, so the Saints had every reason to be careful. Fans, though, have been trained to worry anytime Miller’s health comes up.
Now the focus shifts from whether he’ll play to how much he’ll matter. That question gets tangled up with Alvin Kamara, because Miller’s early-season path was tied to Kamara being out. The opening stretch looked like a one- to two-week window for Miller to make his case for why the Saints should keep him around next season.
That window may be closing faster than expected. Kamara appears to be nearing a return, which changes the picture for Miller.
He was set to have a chance to share work with Travis Etienne, though it’s unclear what that split would have looked like. Kamara’s return cuts into that opportunity, no matter how you slice it.
Still, Miller may not be shut out of the offense. Because Kamara is coming back after a long absence, the Saints could ease him back in and manage his workload early. That leaves enough room for Miller to stay involved rather than disappear entirely behind a third-place spot on the depth chart.
What Miller needs is simple: explosive plays. He’s the kind of running back who can force the issue by showing burst over and over again.
It may start with only a few carries, and slow-and-steady won’t be enough to make Kellen Moore change his mind. But if Miller keeps popping, he could work his way up to 7 carries a game.
The Saints don’t need Miller to push Kamara aside. If everyone’s healthy, this backfield can function like a three headed monster. For Miller, the task is smaller and harder at the same time: give the Saints enough reason to stop thinking in terms of a duo and start treating this like a trio.
In Other News...
Saints Now Have One More Lions Opener Wrinkle To Prepare For
The Lions added another layer to their opener plans by promoting wide receiver and return man Tom Kennedy to the active 53-man roster ahead of their 2026 matchup with the Saints. Kennedy is expected to handle punt and kick return duties, giving Detroit a more defined answer in the third phase of the game as it gets ready for Sunday.
For New Orleans, it is one more detail to sort through before the first real snap of the season, especially in a game where field position can matter early. Detroit also added defensive back Natrone Brooks to its practice squad, a smaller move on paper, but the Kennedy promotion is the one the Saints will be watching closest as they finalize their own opener prep. [Read more 🡒]
Saints Need Chase Young To Deliver In A Brutal Week 1 Test
Cameron Jordans absence from the Saints regular-season opener is a significant blow before New Orleans even gets to the first Sunday of the year. Jordan, long one of the most dependable players on the defense, will sit out against Detroit after a hamstring injury in training camp, leaving the Saints to reshuffle their pass-rush plans for a matchup that already looked demanding.
Chase Young is now in line for a much bigger load, and the timing could hardly be tougher. The Lions bring a difficult offense led by Jared Goff, so New Orleans will need pressure up front to keep the game under control and prevent Detroit from settling in. For the Saints, this is the kind of Week 1 test that can quickly show whether Young is ready to carry more of the burden. [Read more 🡒]
Saints Rookie Experiment Faces A Brutal Early Test In Detroit
Jonas Sankers move into the Saints Star inside cornerback role is about to get a lot more revealing in a hurry. The rookie has only recently settled into the spot, and the first real measuring stick comes against a Detroit passing game built around Amon-Ra St. Brown, one of the leagues toughest and most versatile receivers to match up with.
New Orleans likes Sankers mindset as much as his athletic ability, and the staff has been steady in its belief that he can handle the adjustment. Still, this is the kind of assignment that asks a young defensive back to process quickly, play physically and hold up against a receiver who can win in a lot of different ways, which makes Sundays test a significant one for both Sanker and the Saints. [Read more 🡒]