Will Kendre Miller Be Ready By Week 1? Fantasy Football Injury Update

The New Orleans Saints have to feel great about their backfield down the stretch this season. Alvin Kamara remains a Pro Bowl-caliber player, Jamaal Williams is coming off a 17-touchdown season, and Kendre Miller has been one of this year's most hyped-up rookie running backs.

With that said, the backfield is facing some short-term hiccups heading into Week 1. Kamara has been suspended for three weeks while Miller is already dealing with an injury before playing his first NFL snap.

What is the latest on Kendre Miller's injury? What is his Week 1 outlook for fantasy football?

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Kendre Miller Injury Update

Addressing the media on Thursday, Saints head coach Dennis Allen announced that Miller is dealing with a hamstring injury. According to physical therapist and football injury analyst Jeff Mueller, a hamstring injury isn't uncommon for players returning from a knee injury or knee surgery.

As of now, Allen isn't sure whether the hamstring injury will impact Miller's availability or role in the offense once Week 1 comes around.

Kendre Miller Week 1 Fantasy Football Outlook

Miller's fantasy value has grown significantly since being drafted, with his ADP rising from 168 in March to 155 as we head into the month of September. The TCU product may be third on the Saints' depth chart, but he still has a path to meaningful production.

Miller's upside is largely a result of Kamara's suspension, which sidelines him for the first three weeks of the 2023 campaign. Jamaal Williams will handle lead-back duties, but Miller should still mix in, offering burst and a change of pace. As a result, he is squarely on the fantasy radar for the duration of Kamara's absence.

We don't know for sure that Miller will play in Week 1. If there's any doubt about his health, the Saints will likely err on the side of caution and hold him out. After all, it would be unwise for a team to risk a player's long-term health in the very first game of their career.

However, if Miller does play, he'll rank as a high-end RB4 and could have flex appeal in some formats. He's not exactly a phenomenal goal-line option, but he has made significant strides as a pass-catcher while also being talented and productive when it comes to breaking tackles and extending plays.

This should lead to significant YAC for the rookie as early as Week 1, which translates to fantasy points, of course. The likelihood of him handily out-snapping Williams on passing downs also bodes well for fantasy production, especially in PPR leagues.

If you're looking for an upside play in deeper leagues or DFS formats, Miller represents a very intriguing option.

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