It's probably always "Miller Time" in some regards in New Orleans, but are the Saints ready to turn the backfield keys over to rookie Kendre Miller?
With Alvin Kamara suspended and Jamaal Williams hampered with a leg injury, indications are that not only will Miller make his season debut Sunday, but he'll log starter touches. While on the surface this would seem to be only a fill-in role until Kamara presumably returns next week, it could be more than that.
Miller, a TCU product, was drafted in the third round - the 71st pick overall - in the 2023 NFL Draft after a sensational career for the Horned Frogs. In 2022, he notched 1,399 yards and 17 touchdowns, leading TCU all the way to the National Championship Game. Many have been left to wonder how differently that game might have gone if Miller hadn't missed it with an injury.
With New Orleans, Miller logged 22 carries in the preseason for 42 yards and scored a touchdown against the Chargers. He's been held out due to injury in the Saints' first two regular season games.
Kamara was also a third-round pick for the Saints, as he was selected 67th overall in 2017, so the team has gone to that well for a starter before. Mark Ingram was the starter that season, with Kamara playing second fiddle, but by 2018, Kamara was the lead back.
As for Williams, he was a fourth-round pick for the Lions but signed with the Saints during the most recent offseason. His early opportunities with the Saints have not gone well, as the BYU product has recorded just 74 yards on 27 carries.
It remains to be seen, but it would seem the opportunity is there for Miller to crack open a case of starts for the Saints.
