Saints HC Dennis Allen doubles down on harsh reality he handed to a young player earlier in the offseason
Earlier in the offseason, New Orleans Saints head coach showed some concern regarding the continued lack of availability for young running back Kendre Miller.
“Kendre’s got a hamstring. So, look, that’s a player that’s gonna have to figure out how to stay healthy, ‘cuz it’s hard to make the team when you’re in the training room all the time.”
That comment followed Miller’s departure from practice on July 24th. It was a rough start to camp for Miller, who is vying for the RB2 role in the Saints offense alongside Jamaal Williams. That seems like a farfetched opportunity for the young runner now – at least to begin the season in New Orleans.
He has not practiced with the team since sustaining that injury. Miller missed nine games for New Orleans last season with multiple ailments.
Miller’s latest injury is a hamstring issue. It is unknown if he will be ready to begin the regular season. The Saints coach made it clear how tough it is to evaluate talent when that talent cannot stay on the football field.
Dennis Allen reveals new harsh truth regarding injured players
Allen doubled down on his prior statement about Miller. This time, he extended it to other young players. He did not list those, specifically, though.
Dennis Allen expressed concern when Kendre Miller got hurt three weeks ago about being able to make the team from the training room. He said that hasn’t changed at this point. Not just with Miller but any young player who hasn’t gotten to show enough for a true evaluation.
The Saints coach is correct, even if it’s a tough pill to swallow. No player wants to get hurt during practice, workouts, or a game. That being said, preparation can play a role in some injuries when they become a trend for guys.
Regardless, Allen remains frustrated that some players cannot stay healthy and contribute for the Saints this season.
We will see if we get any updates on Miller over the next couple of weeks. It’s been radio silence there since the week following his hamstring injury. New Orleans faces off with the San Francisco 49ers this weekend in preseason Week 2.