Saints Running Back Kendre Miller Out for Season After ACL Tear: What It Means for New Orleans

Kendre Miller’s ACL Injury Sidelines Him for the Season

The New Orleans Saints’ already troubled season took a decisive hit on Sunday when promising running back Kendre Miller tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in a loss to the Chicago Bears. Head coach Kellen Moore confirmed Miller’s injury, along with center Erik McCoy’s season-ending biceps tear, at his Monday press conference. Both injuries were a bitter blow for a team struggling to find its rhythm and consistency in the 2025 NFL campaign.

Miller’s absence isn’t just a headline—it’s a reality check for a Saints offense that ranks near the bottom of the league in both total yards and points per game. The 22-year-old running back, who’d become an integral backup behind Alvin Kamara, had managed 193 rushing yards and a touchdown over seven games this season. His progress was especially notable considering last year’s hamstring injury that kept him off the field for several weeks. Yet, just as he seemed poised for a breakout, this latest setback forces him back to the sidelines—and the team into yet another strategic overhaul.

Struggling Offense Faces New Challenges

For the Saints, the timing couldn’t be worse. At 1-6, they’re fighting to stay afloat in a competitive division, and their offense has been hampered by injuries and inconsistency. Erik McCoy, a two-time Pro Bowl center and team captain, has also been plagued by injuries, limiting him to just seven games in each of the last two seasons. McCoy’s leadership and experience have been key to the offensive line’s communication and cohesion, and his absence leaves a significant gap that will be difficult to fill.

Coach Moore acknowledged the gravity of the situation: “It can’t just be one person going into that position and say, ‘Hey, they need to do everything Eric did.’ That whole group needs to raise their level of communication.” The Saints will likely turn to guards Cesar Ruiz and Torricelli Simpkins III, both of whom have experience at center, to fill the void. Additionally, the team’s recent acquisition of veteran center Luke Fortner from the Jacksonville Jaguars could prove critical in stabilizing the line.

But the loss of Miller may be felt even more acutely in the backfield. He had begun to carve out a role as a reliable change-of-pace option behind Kamara, showing flashes of speed and resilience. With Miller sidelined, rookie Devin Neal will step into a more prominent role. For Neal, it’s a sudden opportunity to prove himself, but for the Saints, it’s yet another question mark in a season full of them.

Team Response and Miller’s Road to Recovery

Kellen Moore spoke candidly about Miller’s progress and the unfortunate timing of his injury: “I’m really proud of what Kendre has turned this season into from an individual standpoint, the progress he’s made, it’s a really unfortunate timing from an injury perspective … there’ll be some challenging days for him because of this.” Moore expressed confidence that Miller would recover and return stronger, emphasizing the young player’s resilience and work ethic.

For Miller, the path ahead is daunting. ACL injuries are notoriously difficult to rehab, often requiring months of physical therapy and mental fortitude. Yet, the Saints remain optimistic about his future contributions. Moore’s support and the team’s commitment to his recovery underscore their belief in Miller’s potential—not just as a player, but as a key part of the team’s future.

What’s Next for the Saints?

With both Miller and McCoy out, the Saints face a crossroads. The immediate priority is to stabilize the offensive line and reconfigure the running back rotation. Kamara, the team’s star back, will shoulder even more responsibility, while Devin Neal and other backups must adapt quickly to the increased workload. The coaching staff has about 24 hours to “sort through” the roster and put together a plan before their next matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Statistically, the Saints are in a tough spot. They’re ranked 24th in total yards per game (297.9) and 29th in points per game (17.9), according to ESPN. With key contributors sidelined, these numbers could slip further unless the team finds a way to adapt—and fast.

Meanwhile, fans and analysts alike are asking the tough questions: Can the Saints rally and salvage their season? Will the new faces step up under pressure? And how will Miller’s absence reshape the team’s identity, both on the field and in the locker room?

One thing is certain—the Saints’ resilience is about to be tested like never before.

While Kendre Miller’s injury is a major setback for both the player and the Saints, it also highlights the unpredictable nature of professional football. The team’s response—whether it’s finding creative solutions on offense or supporting Miller through his recovery—will reveal much about their character and determination as they push through adversity.