3 Players to Watch at Saints Camp Day 10

After another season-ending injury and several minor tweaks, training camp focus turns to the offense during Sunday's New Orleans Saints training camp practice.

After yesterday's bounce-back performance for New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr, it looked like Sunday's focus may go back to the defense to see how they would respond. But after another season-ending injury, this time to running back Eno Benjamin, it feels more likely that all eyes will be on the backfield and who could step up in his absence.

Benjamin was competing to be the top dual-threat runner while star back Alvin Kamara serves his three-game suspension to start the season. But with him out, that spot could now be wide open. And one Louisiana-native has the inside track.

Jun 13, 2023; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) and New Orleans Saints running back Jamaal Williams (30) during minicamp at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

RB Kirk Merritt

When in need of a dual-threat running back that can run routes and catch passes, what better option to turn to than a former wide receiver. Merritt has comfort and familiarity with the offense after spending last year with the team, including some regular season playing time. Merritt could be the guy that is the most natural fit to assume the role in Kamara's absence along with the top guys Jamaal Williams and Kendre Miller. Merritt would be third in that rotation, but would be able to serve a versatile purpose akin to that of former Saints skill position player Ty Montgomery.

He also brings value as a returner and on special teams. If there is anything to know about the Saints, it is most certainly that the more a player can do, the more valuable they are to the roster.

RB Kendre Miller

Miller is far from in a fight for a roster spot or anything like that. But along with Merritt, he too will have to continue to prove his value in the passing game. Head coach Dennis Allen was very complimentary of the former TCU Horned Frog's development thus far. But he did mention that seeing a little more subtlety in his route runner is something that would like. Can Miller start to put that piece of his game together and show the team that he too can be a threat as a pass-catcher. He is certainly off to a good start.  

OL Trevor Penning

As the offensive line deals with its own injuries, Penning now has had a revolving door of players to his right. After a day away on Saturday, Penning should be back in the starting lineup Sunday taking snaps with either linemen James Hurst, Andrus Peat and Landon Young at left guard. 

But most importantly will be his production as a pass protector, the emphasis he told New Orleans media that he put on his game this offseason. We will keep a close eye on Penning and try to sum up how he fares throughout another big day for the young tackle.

Little bit of lagniappe: RB Jamaal Williams

Williams has had a strong camp thus far and it has become even more important now for that to continue. While Kamara can still participate in training camp practices and preseason games ahead of his suspension, Williams should be getting the lion's share of work going forward to get him ready for the season. He has shown his propensity for both the run and receiving game. As that trend continues, Williams will put to ease some potential concerns at the position.