Kendre Miller returns from ACL injury, 'felt good' in Saints' preseason loss to Rams
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — It had been more than 300 days since Kendre Miller suited up for the New Orleans Saints for a game. On Saturday, the running back finally returned to the field in the team's preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams, his first game action since tearing his ACL in Week 7 of last season.
"I felt good just to get out there in a game," Miller said. "I didn't even know it had been that long."
Miller, selected in the third round of the 2023 draft, has struggled to stay healthy throughout his career. He has never played more than eight games in a season, and his first two professional seasons were marred by hamstring and ankle issues. Even this training camp, a back injury cost him more than a week of practice time.
But after participating in joint practices against the Cowboys and Rams this week, Miller was cleared to play. He carried six times for 22 yards, with his first two carries going for 5 and 6 yards. He also had gains of 10 on a reception and 12 yards negated by penalties, and returned a kick for 29 yards.
"I definitely needed the work, just because I've been out with the knee — I missed OTAs and I needed to catch up," Miller said. "The work was really good for me, getting a feel of everything. But I feel good out there, it doesn't feel like I missed a step, I just need to clean up a couple things."
Saints coach Kellen Moore praised Miller's effort, saying, "There were some physical runs in there. I was proud of him hopping in there."
Miller's return comes at a time when the Saints' running back room is dealing with injuries. Alvin Kamara was present for Saturday's game but is expected to miss several weeks with an MCL injury. Audric Estime left the preseason opener with an ankle injury, and Devin Neal exited with a hamstring injury.
Despite the competition for a roster spot, Miller remains focused on what he can control. "If it's meant to be, it's meant to be," he said.
While the team's overall performance was disappointing, Miller's individual showing stood out. He was among several players to earn high marks from Pro Football Focus, though the team's top-rated offensive players per PFF were Easton Kilty 3 overall grade, 3 run block grade) and Asim Richards 3 offensive grade, 5 run block grade). Wide receiver Jalen Cropper, a former undrafted free agent out of Fresno State, had five catches for 97 yards through two preseason games and an 1 offensive grade, third-highest on the Saints. Linebacker Isiah Stalbird recorded 11 tackles and an 2 defensive grade.
The Saints continue their preseason schedule against the Jaguars and Cowboys after facing the Rams. Miller hopes to build on his return and remain healthy moving forward.
"I just need to clean up a couple things," he said, "but I feel good out there."