Saints Training Camp Preview: Running Back

A much-improved Saints backfield could prove dangerous for opponents, as we preview the position heading into training camp.

New Orleans Saints running backs were a big question leading into the 2023 offseason. The team ranked 19th in rushing production last season with an average of 116.6 yards per game. Their 4.3 per carry average ranked just 22nd, as did their 12 rushing touchdowns. 

Moreover, star RB Alvin Kamara was facing a possible lengthy suspension from the NFL for a February 2022 infraction in Las Vegas. Versatile weapon Taysom Hill provided an outstanding rushing threat for the team and was coming off a career-best 575 yards on the ground. However, the Saints have not had a bona-fide threat at running back to complement Kamara in three seasons. 

Kamara (897 rushing yards) and Hill combined for 1,472 of the team’s 1,982 yards on the ground, 74% of the team’s output. Without another RB to threaten defenses, the dynamic Kamara was severely limited as a receiver. He also scored just four total touchdowns and reached the end zone in only two games. 

This offseason, the Saints addressed those issues in a big way. They signed free-agent RB Jamaal Williams, who is coming off a career-high 1,066 rushing yards and NFL-best 17 touchdowns with Detroit. They also used a third-round draft pick on TCU RB Kendre Miller, who was second in the Big-12 with 1,399 yards on the ground. 

With as much backfield talent as the Saints have had in years, here's a training camp preview of what to expect at the position. 

Saints Training Camp Roster - Running Back 

• Alvin Kamara 

• Jamaal Williams 

• Kendre Miller*

• Eno Benjamin 

• Ellis Merriweather*

• Jake Bargas 

• Adam Prentice (FB)

(* = Rookie)

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) runs past Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Derrick Brown (95) and safety Xavier Woods (25). Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY

Kamara, who turns 28 on the first day of training camp, is still the focus of the offense. He's a dynamic back who's proven that he can be effective between the tackles, but is most dangerous in space. With elite balance and vision, Kamara has the versatility to be dangerous anywhere along the formation. The best receiving back in the league, he presents matchup problems that give opposing defenses nightmares. 

Adding Williams allows the Saints to use Kamara outside the numbers more often. A bruising back, the 28-year-old Williams runs with power but also has a nice burst into open space. He'll give New Orleans a rushing element that they had when Mark Ingram and Latavius Murray were in their primes.

Miller really came into his own in 2022 with TCU after sharing backfield duties his first two years. He's a power runner that showed good vision from the spread formation and has excellent cutback ability. Not used as a receiver often in college, he still displayed good natural hands and vision in the open field. 

Benjamin, 24, will have to make a big special teams contribution to grab a roster spot. However, he's shown some solid versatility and adds valuable experience over his first two years in the league. He'll have to hold off undrafted rookie Merriweather, who's a big-bodied back with terrific power between the tackles. Another option could be Kirk Merritt, who is listed as a receiver but has been a running back for New Orleans previously. 

Prentice has been a reliable fullback for the Saints, but could be challenged by Bargas. Keep a watchful eye on this battle, since coach Dennis Allen wants to run a ball control attack. 

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

Training Camp Battles

• Prentice vs. Bargas (fullback)

• #4 Running Back 

Training Camp Questions 

1. When will Kamara's suspension take place, and for how long?

We got some clarity on this last week when Kamara pleaded no-contest to a misdemeanor charge of ''Breach of Peace''. Doing so removed the felony assault charge and no frees the NFL to step in with their punishment. There's zero reason why the league can't do this immediately, since the infraction occurred 17 months ago and there's been little new evidence presented. 

I expect the NFL to issue a 4-6 suspension for violation of the league's personal conduct policy. If the league office steps in shortly, as they should, then it should take affect to start the regular season. Kamara has the right to appeal, which could allow him to play the first couple of games until the appeal is heard. This is dependent on when the league makes their initial ruling. 

Jun 13, 2023; New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) catches a pass from quarterback Derek Carr (4) during minicamp at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY

2. Can Williams and Miller keep the offense effective when Kamara is sidelined?

This was why each back was brought in. Williams flourished in his first opportunity to be a lead back in Detroit, while Miller did the same at TCU. Neither player is as dynamic as Kamara, but the two-headed duo has the skills to keep the Saints offense effective. 

Even when Kamara is on the field, Williams and Miller will be counted on to provide a legitimate backfield threat, along with Hill. Doing so allows Kamara to be utilized more as a receiver, something we haven't seen enough of out of the Saints in the last two years.