Saints make surprising Kendre Miller decision despite RB concerns

Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Saints make surprising Kendre Miller decision despite RB concerns

Originally posted on NFL on ClutchPoints
By Julian Ojeda, ClutchPoints | Last updated Nov 7, 2026 3:43 PM ET

The New Orleans Saints have released running back Kendre Miller ahead of their Week 9 matchup against the Cleveland Browns, leaving the organization with limited options in the backfield amid several injuries.

Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reported the surprising roster decision Saturday on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“The Saints released Kendre Miller, per source,” Underhill reported.

The move comes as New Orleans (2-5) prepares to host Cleveland (5-3) on Sunday, with the Saints already dealing with significant injuries at running back.

Veteran Travis Etienne Jr. remains on injured reserve with a hamstring injury, while CJ Donaldson has been ruled out for Sunday’s contest due to a shoulder injury and concussion.

Those absences, combined with Miller’s release, leave Alvin Kamara and Audric Estime as the Saints’ only two available running backs entering the matchup.

Miller, 24, appeared in six games this season, recording 159 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 57 carries, averaging just 2.8 yards per attempt. He also contributed nine receptions for 37 yards.

The former third-round pick out of TCU struggled to establish consistency throughout the season despite receiving increased opportunities.

Saints face uncertainty at running back ahead of Browns matchup

Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

In New Orleans’ Week 6 victory over the New York Giants, Miller recorded a season-high 70 rushing yards on 20 carries. However, he followed that performance with just six rushing yards on eight attempts during the Saints’ 16-10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Paris.

Across four seasons with New Orleans, Miller appeared in 27 games, totaling 656 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 184 carries. He also recorded 29 receptions for 217 yards.

Miller’s departure raises additional questions about the Saints’ offensive depth as head coach Kellen Moore looks to get the organization back on track following its Week 8 bye.

With Etienne sidelined and Donaldson unavailable, Kamara and Estime could see increased responsibilities against Cleveland.

The decision also ends Miller’s tenure with the organization after New Orleans selected him with the No. 71 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

The Saints will attempt to rebound from their Week 7 loss to Pittsburgh when they host the Browns on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET on CBS.

This article first appeared on NFL on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

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