Kendre Miller Talks Fresh Start in Dallas

The Dallas Cowboys are giving running back Kendre Miller an opportunity to restart his NFL career, and the Texas native believes his arrival in Dallas could be the beginning of something special.

Miller signed with the Cowboys’ practice squad after being waived by the New Orleans Saints, the team that selected him in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. After dealing with several injuries throughout his time in New Orleans, the former TCU standout is embracing a fresh opportunity closer to home.

“I’m a big believer that everything happens for a reason”, Miller said. I feel like God put that in my life just to mainly make me grow as a person. I feel like with the injuries and stuff, and then just how it happened, I feel like it happened for a reason. I’m back here.”

Kendre Miller reunites with familiar faces in Dallas

Returning to Texas gives Miller an opportunity to reconnect with people he already knows, which has helped make the transition to a new organization easier.

The Mount Enterprise native played alongside Cowboys linebacker Dee Winters at TCU, where the two were important contributors during the program’s run to the 2023 College Football Playoff National Championship Game. Miller also spent time with Dallas offensive tackle Tyler Guyton before Guyton transferred to Oklahoma.

“It’s been a heck of a week,” Miller said. “I’ve never been through anything like this. Having to meet new people, but I know a lot of people on the Cowboys. It feels like I’m at home right now. I’m back in Texas, so I can’t complain at all.”

Miller is also reuniting with running backs coach Derrick Foster, who previously held the same position with New Orleans. Foster coached Miller during the 2024 season, when the running back recorded 148 rushing yards and a touchdown on 39 carries across six games.

“Really just building off what we started,” Miller said of reuniting with Foster. “I was dealing with injuries that year, up and down. But me and Derek built a strong relationship, and he played a big part in me coming here.”

Former Saints running back looks to move past injury history

Staying healthy has been one of the biggest challenges of Miller’s young NFL career. Hamstring and knee problems affected his rookie season, and additional injuries limited his availability in 2024. His 2025 campaign took another difficult turn when he suffered a torn ACL in Week 7 against the Chicago Bears.

Those setbacks have prevented Miller from establishing the consistency he hoped to find after entering the league. Now, he says he feels good physically and is ready to take advantage of another opportunity.

“It’s ups and downs in football,” Miller said. “That’s what comes with it. But my love of the game has never changed and I’m just happy for the opportunity here in Dallas.”

The Cowboys also offer an appealing situation for a running back. Miller pointed to Dallas’ offensive line and its production in the ground game as major reasons the opportunity stood out to him.

“I did my research on these guys before I got here,” Miller said. “Seeing what they’ve done in the run game and how they’ve been running the ball, all the great linemen they’ve got up front, that’s every running back’s dream. So I’m happy.”

Miller could compete for Cowboys’ RB2 opportunity

Miller’s arrival comes at an important time for Dallas. Tyler Goodson suffered a knee injury and is expected to miss multiple weeks, leaving the Cowboys looking for additional options behind starting running back Javonte Williams.

Miller could work his way into that conversation, although he will first need to learn the offense and prove himself to the coaching staff. Dallas also has Israel Abanikanda and Jashaun Corbin on its practice squad as potential options.

“It’s definitely similar to the playbook,” Miller said. “I’m picking up on key words that I had at the Saints. It’s not too hard, it’s just little stuff here and there that I’ve got to catch up on, but nothing too crazy.”

For now, Miller understands that he has to earn his place in Dallas. He isn’t expecting an immediate role and is prepared to work his way into the rotation.

“You got to start from square one and just put your head down and work,” Miller said. “It’s the middle of the season, so just wherever they need me, if they call me up or whatever, I’ll try to do my best and be ready to go.”

With the Cowboys preparing for their Week 10 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, Miller’s addition gives the running back room another option as Dallas works through its injury concerns. Whether he earns an opportunity on the active roster remains to be seen, but the former third-round pick is getting a fresh start in a place that already feels familiar.