Training camp battle spotlight: Kendre Miller vs. Jamaal Williams
The battle between Kendre Miller and Jamaal Williams gains more importance as Alvin Kamara’s contract situation remains unresolved. The start of training camp on July 24 is the next checkpoint in the situation. Either he and the New Orleans Saints agree on an extension or Kamara shows up to camp on the same deal.
Once camp begins we can look at how Kamara maneuvers the situation. He could sit out or come to practice. It’s been reported that Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love will show up but not practice until he gets a new deal. That is also an option for Kamara.
It’s unlikely Kamara sits out the season or even games due to this. If he does miss practice time, however, that may put more pressure on the Miller-Williams battle. Kamara’s absence would naturally lead to more reps for both Miller and Williams with the first-team offense. Being able to evenly split these reps should make the RB2 decision easier.
During the season, the winner of the battle will share time with Kamara. When you look at his best years, Kamara wasn’t the sole running back he’s been recently. Sean Payton actually used to have Kamara on a pitch count. Now that he’s older, with more wear and tear on his body, it would behoove the Saints to return to this.
Jamaal Williams could be the tough yardage back. That carved out role gives him an easy route to the field. Miller has some of the pop and receiving ability that makes Kamara special. A three-headed monster would be best, but Miller will have to fight for the right to have more time in the regular season due to some overlap in skillset.
