The New Orleans Saints are getting another weapon on offense, though they've lost a key player on the opposite side of the ball.
The team announced Saturday that it was activating second-year RB Kendre Miller from injured reserve, meaning he will be available for Week 6 against the Bucs after missing the first five games due to a hamstring injury.
To make room on the roster the Saints sent starting safety Will Harris to IR due to a significant hamstring of his own, suffered during the Week 5 loss to the Chiefs. Saints head coach Dennis Allen indicated earlier in the week that such a move was likely.
The Saints have also elevated G/C Chris Reed and safety Johnathan Abram for the game, the second consecutive week we've seen the veteran safety called up. It's likely he has a significant role in Sunday's gameplan.
For Miller it's a welcome bit of positive news after an incredibly frustrating offseason and start to his NFL career. When healthy he's shown flashes of why the Saints picked him in the third round of the 2023 draft, most notably a 13-carry, 73-yard performance in the Week 18 win over the Falcons to close out last season. It was a high point to end what was a rookie season dotted with big plays but marred by injuries.
In what was a pivotal offseason to potentially carve out a clear role in Klint Kubiak's new offense, Miller suffered a hamstring injury during the first set of individual drills and was placed on IR to begin the season. He returned to practice a week ago, but the team opted not to activate him for the game in Kansas City.
“I think each and every day that he’s been able to be out here, been able to practice, been able to participate in what we’re doing, you see him getting better and it’s ... it’s hard to really improve on how well do you know the system, you know, can you operate within the system if you’re not able to be out here and practicing," Allen said this week. "So I think the last couple of weeks have been really good for him. I’m excited about the prospects of him, and so we’ll see what happens.”
It remains to be seen exactly what role Miller might have in the scheme, particularly early on, but there's no question the Saints could use more impact from backs not named Alvin Kamara. While AK is off to an excellent start with 388 yards and 5 touchdowns on 91 carries to go along with 23 catches for 213 yards and a TD, there's been little impact from the backs behind him. Taysom Hill has been impactful out of the backfield, but is set to miss his third game in the first six weeks due to chest and rib injuries.
The pair of Jamaal Williams and Jordan Mims have combined for 6 carries for 19 yards during the team's three-game losing streak.
For the Saints to break the skid this week, they'll have to do so behind rookie QB Spencer Rattler, who is set to make his first career start with Derek Carr sidelined due to an oblique injury.
The Saints (2-3) host the Bucs (3-2) at noon Sunday inside the Caesars Superdome. Catch all the action on WWL AM-870; FM-105.3 & on the free Audacy app.
