Tough Breaks in New Orleans: Saints Place Two Highly-Rated Key Players on Season-Ending IR, Add Velus Jones Jr. and Audric Estimé
The New Orleans Saints are facing a significant challenge this season as they announced that two key players—center Erik McCoy and running back Kendre Miller—have been placed on season-ending injured reserve. This development comes as a tough blow to the team’s roster and their hopes of a strong run this year.
Erik McCoy, the Saints’ starting center, has been a cornerstone of the offensive line since he was drafted in the second round in 2018. Known for his durability and leadership, McCoy has been instrumental in anchoring the Saints’ line and helping create a stable pocket for quarterback play.
His ability to communicate and lead the offensive front is a critical loss for the team, as the center position is vital in both pass protection and run blocking schemes.
Equally concerning for the Saints is the loss of Kendre Miller, the promising young running back who showed flashes of explosive potential. Drafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, Miller quickly became a valuable asset in the backfield, providing versatility and a fresh dynamic to the Saints’ ground game.
His combination of speed, power, and vision made him a weapon both as a runner and in the passing game. Losing Miller to IR not only impacts the Saints’ rushing attack but also their overall offensive versatility.
In response to these significant injuries, the Saints acted swiftly to shore up their roster. To fill the gap at running back, the team signed Velus Jones Jr. to their active roster. Jones Jr. is known primarily for his speed and special teams prowess, and the Saints hope he can bring an immediate spark.
Jones Jr. has experience as a kick returner and wide receiver but has also contributed in the backfield, making him a flexible option to help mitigate the loss of Miller.
Additionally, the Saints bolstered their practice squad by adding running back Audric Estimé. A former Notre Dame standout, Estimé has a reputation for his physical running style and ability to break tackles.
Though he’s still developing at the professional level, Estimé provides depth and potential for future contributions if injuries continue to affect the Saints’ running back group.
The Saints’ coaching staff will undoubtedly have to adjust their offensive game plan to account for these losses, leaning more on depth players like Jones Jr. and Estimé while relying on the remaining starters to step up. It’s a reminder of the brutal nature of the NFL season, where injuries can force teams to adapt quickly or risk falling behind in a highly competitive division.
While the loss of McCoy and Miller is a setback, the Saints’ moves to bring in Velus Jones Jr. and Audric Estimé show a commitment to maintaining competitiveness despite adversity. Fans will be watching closely to see how these changes play out on the field in the coming weeks.
Injuries may have forced the Saints to regroup, but with resilience and strategic adjustments, New Orleans still hopes to remain a formidable contender in the 2025 NFL season.