Tag: Jordan Mims

Saints running back lost to injured reserve with new hamstring injury

Kendre Miller’s recent hamstring injury has forced the Saints to place him on injured reserve, meaning he will miss 10 of the first 12 games in 2024:

The New Orleans Saints injury bug bites again, this time we see Kendre Miller once again with another hamstring injury, the third of his short NFL career to date. This new hamstring injury, separate from the one he suffered in July of this year, has forced the Saints to place Miller on injured reserve, meaning he will miss an additional four weeks. It isn’t the same leg he injured last time.

This also means he will miss 10 of the first 12 games of the 2024 season, and 19 total (since being drafted) by the time he is able to return, assuming he only misses the next four games.

The Saints will now have to rely on Alvin Kamara even more than usual, which is not good given his recent injuries in the past few seasons. The Saints will also be without Jamaal Williams (groin) in this game as he was downgraded at the same time. This leaves the Saints with Kamara, and their two recent signees Jordan Mims and Jacob Kibodi as their options at the running back position.

Unfortunately, we will not get a good chance to see Miller for awhile again, especially after a few quality runs against the Los Angeles Chargers.

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Report: Kendre Miller to return from injured reserve after Falcons game

Kendre Miller suffered an injury on the first day of Saints training camp. He’s expected to return to practice for the first time this week:

New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller is expected to return from injured reserve after Week 4’s game with the Atlanta Falcons, per NewOrleans.Football’s Nick Underhill. That’s the earliest Miller can return to practice according to the NFL’s injured reserve rules, so the soonest he can play is Week 5’s prime-time game with the Kansas City Chiefs.

It’s been a rough offseason for Miller. He suffered a hamstring injury on the first day of Saints training camp and was never able to return to practice. Head coach Dennis Allen was clearly frustrated with his absence. He called the young running back out on a couple different occasions.

That could provide additional motivation for Miller as he attempts to come back to practice. Miller has flashed potential at times but he’s never been able to get truly rolling due to injuries through his young NFL career.

This latest injury may have dropped him in the rotation behind Jordan Mims, and further behind Jamaal Williams. All three of them are competing for snaps behind Alvin Kamara.

However, Mims hasn’t carried the ball much and Williams has left something to be desired. As Miller works his way back, there could be room for him to get a few carries during next week’s Chiefs game. He has to show he’s more than potential, because his injuries have made it to where potential isn’t enough.

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Report: Kendre Miller expected to start season on Saints injured reserve

Saints RB Kendre Miller is expected to begin the year on injured reserve, making the position a bit more of a concern entering the season:

The New Orleans Saints have had to make a few decisions today on the running back position, as they released James Robinson and waived Jacob Kibodi, leaving them with only four running backs on the roster. This number goes down to three now, with Kendre Miller expected to start off the season on injured reserve, per NFL insider Josina Anderson.

This leaves the Saints with three active running backs between Alvin Kamara, Jamaal Williams, and Jordan Mims. Ultimately, they may choose to sign another before the start of the season, or they may just run with these three and see how things pan out. It can be assumed that they will keep a few on the practice squad as well in the event of an injury or necessity for another, which may make things a little easier.

Unfortunate injuries have begun to pile up for Miller, as he missed nine games in his rookie season due to ankle and hamstring problems, and will now miss at minimum four in his sophomore season due to his hamstring issue. The soonest he can return is Week 5’s Monday night road game with the Kansas City Chiefs.

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Jamaal Williams picked as a trade candidate before NFL roster cuts deadline

Jamaal Williams was picked as a trade candidate before next week’s NFL roster cuts deadline. But his strong game against the 49ers may keep him off the trade block:

We’re rapidly approaching the NFL roster cuts deadline on Aug. 27, and some trades are expected around the league as teams work to get the jump on the waiver wire. The New Orleans Saints are typically buyers at these deadlines, but could they be sellers instead?

If so, Jamaal Williams might be a trade candidate to watch. For The Win’s Cory Woodruff made the case for other teams to check in on the veteran running back ahead of next week’s NFL trade deadline:

The New Orleans Saints are very unlikely to trade running back Alvin Kamara with so much riding on this season with coach Dennis Allen and quarterback Derek Carr. However, it’s very possible the team could consider freeing up a little cap space (almost $4 million) and adding a draft pick for Williams, who didn’t fit in with New Orleans last season quite like he did with the Detroit Lions in 2022 (1,066 yards, 17 touchdowns). Only 29, Williams could help a contending team in the red zone while the Saints could give 2023 third-round pick Kendre Miller a bigger role in the offense.

Possible team fits Woodroof mentioned included the Las Vegas Raiders, Arizona Cardinals, and Minnesota Vikings.

But Williams may have taken himself off the trade block with a strong game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday night. He totaled 32 rushing yards on five carries, and even if you take out his longest run (a 15-yard gain) he still averaged more than four yards per attempt.

And when you look more closely at the running backs depth chart, it may not make sense to move Williams. Kendre Miller suffered a hamstring injury on the first day of training camp that prevented him from ever returning to the  practice field before the Saints returned to New Orleans from Irvine. Alvin Kamara was sidelined for a few days last week after experiencing some back tightness, which he’s reported before. Jordan Mims and James Robinson have had some nice moments this summer but as a whole the running backs haven’t shown a ton of playmaking ability.

Is moving Williams worth a late-round draft pick and $3.85 million in cap space? That might be a question the Saints need to ask themselves, but unless Miller returns to health quickly it’s tough to see Williams being moved. But never say never. His hard running on Sunday night may have caught some wandering eyes.

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WATCH: Taysom Hill punches in a touchdown on 4th and goal

The New Orleans Saints’ starting offense scored their first points of the preseason via a Taysom Hill TD run:

Taysom Hill punched in a 1-yard touchdown run as the New Orleans Saints starting offense scored their first points of the preseason, capping off an impressive 95-yard drive against the San Francisco 49ers.

The beginning of the game showed Hill’s effectiveness from the backfield. Hill made plays as a conventional tailback and cleared out running lanes as a lead blocker, showing off some of the quirks we’ve seen the Saints try out at training camp.

When a Jordan Mims run stopped just short of the goal line, Klint Kubiak called on Ol’ Reliable. Taysom delivered when his name was called on fourth-and-goal.

Thiis was a low-risk gamble by Dennis Allen. The Saints either score or leave the ball on the San Francisco one yard line.

Mims’ run looked like he may have barely crossed the goal line, so Allen challenged the play. The replay team decided to uphold the decision on the field as Mims’ shin wasn’t visible upon replay. Hill burst through the line of scrimmage and past the goal line to remove any doubt of a touchdown.

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Jordan Mims can put more pressure on Kendre Miller vs. Cardinals

Kendre Miller’s absence presents Jordan Mims with a golden opportunity in the Saints’ preseason opener. He needs a big game against the Cardinals:

Jordan Mims has started strong in New Orleans Saints training camp. If he can continue his momentum, Mims can make a stronger claim for third on the depth chart.

Normally, Mim and Kendre Miller would share reps against the Arizona Cardinals. That won’t be the case in the debut. Miller is out with an injury which opens up a huge opportunity. He hurt his hamstring on the first day of training camp and hasn’t returned to practice in two and a half weeks.

Alvin Kamara is at the top of the depth chart, and he’ll handle most of the snaps with the starters. Jamaal Williams will likely take snaps with the second team, and this is where Mims will mix in. Miller’s absence takes him out of the rotation. There have been no signs Miller will return soon. Even if it’s just for a game, however, these are valuable reps.

Expect Mims to be supplanted by James Robinson and Jacob Kibodi at the end of the game. This is after he has the opportunity to put distance between him and Miller, though.

Dennis Allen has expressed his frustration with Miller’s inability to stay healthy over the beginning of his career. It caused him to publicly question Miller’s security on the final roster. Combine that with a strong camp by Mims. This is Mims’ opportunity to showcase he availability and capabilities make him the best candidate behind Kamara and Williams.

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6 Saints with the most to gain against the Cardinals

6 Saints with the most to gain against the Cardinals: Jordan Mims is in line for heavy snaps, Samson Nacua has some momentum, and Spencer Rattler can take over

The New Orleans Saints will launch their 2024 preseason on Saturday night against the Arizona Cardinals, and while all of their healthy players are expected to get on the field throughout the evening, some have more to gain than others.

Between training camp battles and opportunities created by the injury bug biting their competition, a couple of players must seize this moment. That means making plays and doing things to catch their coach’s eye.

With that in mind, here are six players we’re going to be watching closely at State Farm Stadium when the Saints and Cardinals kick off in exhibition:

Nacua, who wears the No. 89 jersey, might be more than the brother of another team’s young star. He’s been competing hard at Saints training camp and made some acrobatic catches, quickly becoming one of Jake Haener’s favorite targets on the third-team offense. But with so many receivers sidelined by injuries (the Saints may only have six of them healthy for this game), Nacua should see plenty of targets regardless of who’s in at quarterback.

Dennis Allen has already spoken about how eager the Saints are to get Mims more touches and opportunities in the preseason so they can fully evaluate his game. They know he can run well behind Klint Kubiak’s zone-heavy blocking scheme, and he caught a lot of passes in college — from Haener at Fresno State. But can he pick up the blitz in pass protection? Can he add an element to their special teams coverage? Expect Mims to audition in a couple of different roles as he makes his case for a roster spot.

Haener is still ahead of Rattler on the depth chart, but that could change in a hurry if the rookie lights it up. He’s had some turnovers and regrettable throws at training camp but he’s also made a lot of passes that anyone would be proud of on their highlight reel. If Rattler gets out there and commands the offense with authority and keeps the Cardinals defense on their heels, watch out. He just might take that QB2 spot.

Orji might be losing ground in the competition for a roster spot at linebacker. And this is where things fell apart for him last summer — he missed too many tackles in the preseason, which ultimately landed him on the practice squad. He needs to tackle cleanly and prove his coaches can trust him when they call his number. Expect him to play a lot of snaps inn the third quarter and second half behind guys like D’Marco Jackson and Khaleke Hudson.

It almost feels like cheating to highlight a player drafted as highly as McKinstry, but Dennis Allen has spoken about how badly he needs reps this offseason after missing the spring program recovering from foot surgery. Both Marshon Lattimore and Paulson Adebo have missed recent practices while dealing with their own injuries lately, so the rookie should see a ton of snaps. Every rep counts when he’s making his case to get on the field in September.

Did you know this will be the first NFL game of Hergel’s life — as a spectator or player? The rookie guard has quietly enjoyed a very strong summer, and if the Saints didn’t have Cesar Ruiz entrenched on the right side he might already be in the starting lineup. Hergel has taken almost all of the snaps at right guard on the second-team offense while occasionally rotating into the left guard spot with the starters. He’s put himself in great position to win a roster spot, but a productive preseason could seal the deal.

Derek Carr impressed by Jordan Mims: ‘He’s really taken the bull by the horns’

Former Fresno State running back Jordan Mims is already drawing praise from New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr: ‘He’s really taken the bull by the horns’

Training camp is in full swing for the New Orleans Saints with the season on the horizon, and multiple players have already stood out, including running back Jordan Mims. He’s making the most of his opportunity with Kendre Miller on the mend with a hamstring injury.

Quarterback Derek Carr spoke to just how much Mims brings to the table in a recent interview before Saints training camp.

“There’s so much talent. He is doing such a phenomenal job. He’s really impressed me,” Carr told Stephen Hicks at ABC 30 Fresno.

Mims, Carr and backup quarterback Jake Haener all share the Fresno State connection, and while Mims was Haener’s teammate and not Carr’s, the veteran passer was still certainly keeping up with his games on the field for the Bulldogs. Mims finished out his Fresno State career with 3,290 rushing yards and 37 touchdown runs on 680 carries, also catching 91 passes for 971 yards and another 8 touchdowns receptions.

“I knew the kind of player he was, obviously, watching him in the (Fresno State) games,” Carr said. “Then you get around him and he’s an even better person. And the coaches are so impressed with him. He’s doing some really great things.”

To Carr, the possibilities of how Mims can contribute to the Saints offense, particularly in the ground game, are endless. He played his best football in a similar offense built around zone blocking concepts.

Carr continued: “And so I think the sky’s the limit for him. And I’ve told him ‘If you don’t make it, I’m taking it personal, it’s my fault.’ I’ve just been trying to pour into his life, just encouraging him. He’s really taken the bull by the horns and just crushed it. He’s done a great job.”

Entering his second season in the NFL after he was originally signed by the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted rookie after the 2023 NFL draft, Mims will look to capitalize on the opportunity he’s been presented with in New Orleans for another year. Mims saw action in just two games for the Saints last season, but did not record a carry or a reception while primarily helping out the kickoff coverage squad on special teams.

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Jordan Mims is ready to prove he’s more than just Jake Haener’s college teammate

With Kendre Miller sidelined by another injury, Jordan Mims has a big opportunity to prove he’s more than just Jake Haener’s old college teammate:

When Jordan Mims signed with the New Orleans Saints last year, the main storyline surrounding his arrival was his connection to another rookie on the team — Jake Haener. Mims and Haener played together at Fresno State, of course, and becoming teammates again as pros was a cool bit of trivia if nothing else.

But he’s working to make the most of his latest opportunity. Mims was already practicing ahead of Kendre Miller, last year’s third-round draft pick, before the latter exited the first day of training camp with a hamstring injury.  Now Mims is getting even more touches and snaps at practice to prove to the coaches what he can do.

“Young Mims,” center Erik McCoy grinned when asked about him on Saturday. “I’m a Mims fan. I feel like he’s a guy not a lot of people know about. Just because they picked him up last year in Week 2, maybe Week 3. But even throughout all of last year, and seeing him on the P. Squad, seeing him go against our defense, I thought ‘This kid can go.’ I think throughout this camp you can just see that even more. He can go.”

What’s interesting is how poorly Mims fits the Saints’ established preferences at running back. He weighs in at just 6-foot-0 and 205 pounds, 10 pounds lighter than Alvin Kamara and 20 pounds under Jamaal Williams,  and he didn’t exactly blow everyone away in his pre-draft athletic testing. Mims was given a 1.46 Relative Athletic Score after timing the 40-yard dash in 4.65 seconds, poor results for an athlete his size.

Still, the Saints clearly saw something in Mims when they signed him. McCoy sees it now. Just look at his production in college. Fresno State asked a lot of him; Mims ran the ball 680 times across five seasons with the Bulldogs while catching 91 passes, scoring a combined 45 touchdowns in 59 games. And he has a lot of success running in former Fresno State coach Jeff Tedford’s zone-heavy blocking scheme, which shares many of the same principles Klint Kubiak is installing with the Saints. That could give him an edge over other backups like James Robinson and Jacob Kibodi — to say nothing of Miller’s status.

Let’s keep it realistic. Alvin Kamara will dominate touches out of the backfield, though the Saints are determined to get more out of Jamaal Williams than they did last season. And Taysom Hill is an X-factor, too, as he’s effectively been their best rusher in recent years. Mims won’t be taking anything away from those guys on top of the depth chart. But he could be more than a challenger for Miller.

Remember, another undrafted running back (Pierre Thomas) once took a fourth-round pick’s job (Antonio Pittman) in the New Orleans backfield. If Mims runs hard this summer and flashes the same vision and playmaking ability he did in college, he might not just make the team. He stands to benefit from every practice session Miller spends in the trainer’s room.

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Saints complete several last-second roster moves before Week 18 vs. Falcons

The Saints completed several last-second roster moves to prepare for Week 18’s game against the Falcons:

We’re hours away from what may be the last New Orleans Saints game of the year. A loss in Sunday’s matchup with the Atlanta Falcons would end the Saints’ season, while a win could only extend it by a few more minutes, depending on how the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ contest with the Carolina Panthers goes, or hours, with a couple of different late-afternoon matchups factoring into the playoff picture.

But it all starts with a win on Sunday. And to that end, the Saints processed a series of last-minute roster moves to bring up reinforcements from their practice squad and the injured reserve list. Here’s what you need to know about each of them: