New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller has not impressed through his first two years in the league, but his lack of success might have something to do with former head coach Dennis Allen. Selected in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, New Orleans believed Miller could develop into the eventual heir to superstar Alvin Kamara. However, he battled injury as a rookie, appearing in just eight games while recording 156 yards and one touchdown on 31 attempts.
The injury bug followed him into the 2024 season, and Dennis Allen publicly called out Kendre Miller and his inability to stay healthy on multiple occasions. Just before getting fired, Allen placed Miller on the injured reserve in a move that surprised everyone, including the coaching staff. According to Ross Jackson, Miller’s latest injury was “minor” and placing him on the injured reserve at Allen’s request “sparked frustration” among the coaching staff.
"For all intents and purposes, the feeling is that Miller is currently at 100% health and could be on the field immediately. However, his placement on Injured Reserve will hold him out until the team’s Dec. 8 game against the New York Giants.
One source suggests that a meeting… https://t.co/08lshSX7do
— 32BeatWriters (@32BeatWriters) November 7, 2024
Dennis Allen Frustrated Coaches By Placing Kendre Miller on Injured Reserve
A coach’s job is to bring out the best in his players, and Dennis Allen did the exact opposite for Kendre Miller. For whatever reason, the former coach seems to hold a personal vendetta against the TCU product, as Jackson’s report goes on to add that “[f]or all intents and purposes, the feeling is that Miller is currently at 100% health and could be on the field immediately.” Unfortunately for everyone involved, what’s done is done, and Miller must spend at least four games on the injured reserve. Appearing in just two games this season, Miller has recorded just nine carries for 52 yards while catching two passes for one yard, so it’s safe to wonder if he’ll have a role when he returns.
While nobody can know for sure, Jackson’s reports indicate that Dennis Allen was the primary reason Kendre Miller didn’t receive more playing time. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi reportedly spoke to Miller following the firing and told the running back that he see an increased role once he is eligible to return to action. The former third-round pick cannot return until Week 14’s matchup against the New York Giants, but what can we expect from the second-year pro under a new coaching staff?
Moving Forward
Even with Dennis Allen out of the picture, it’s hard to envision a world where Kendre Miller becomes the starting running back in New Orleans. Alvin Kamara isn’t the same unstoppable force from the late 2010s, but the five-time Pro Bowler remains one of the game’s better backs. Through nine games, the Tennessee product has recorded 660 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 150 attempts behind a terrible offensive line while adding another 46 receptions for 367 yards and one touchdown through the air. Recently signed to a two-year extension, Miller probably won’t eat into his workload.
However, the RB2 job in New Orleans is wide open, and Miller could fight for that job in the final month of the season. On paper, Miller is a downhill, physical runner who complements Kamara’s more elusive running style. While the Saints will be out of the playoff picture come December, Miller’s development will be something to watch as he fights for a role on the 2025 Saints under a new head coach.
Main Photo: Gary A. Vasquez – USA Today Sports
