Injuries are piling up for the New Orleans Saints at running back. Kendre Miller suffered a concussion suffered early in last week’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders, and was unable to clear concussion protocol before Week 18’s showdown with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Miller’s absence means it will most likely be Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Jamaal Williams carrying the load for the New Orleans Saints on the ground, unless Alvin Kamara is able to suit up. That doesn’t seem to be likely right now.
Darren Rizzi has already said Edwards-Helaire will be called up from the practice squad again. What’s fascinating is the new pickup seemed to be ahead of Williams early last week.
Prior to Miller’s injury, Williams didn’t play a snap. It was only 12 plays into the game, but Edwards-Helaire saw five snaps in that time frame. After Miller’s injury, Williams saw 21 snaps compared to Edwards-Helaire’s 20. Jordan Mims has been a healthy scratch and Xazavian Valladay hasn’t been called up from the practice squad.
It was basically an even split, but Williams still saw fewer touches. The injury to Miller that pushed Williams into the lineup should increase the veteran’s role. With another week in the system, however, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Edwards-Helaire be the lead back. That is especially true with a likely scenario being the Saints playing from behind if they can’t keep pace with the high-powered Buccaneers offense.
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