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2026 NFL backfield

New Orleans Saints running backs

The current roster, the published replacement plan and the production behind each player’s role.

The published backfield plan

Published starter

Alvin Kamara

Preferred handcuff

Kendre Miller

Miller already leads this backfield in snaps

Committee uncertainty: an absence could spread work across several backs.

View Alvin Kamara’s handcuff breakdown

Week 7 analysis published .

This analysis is over 24 hours old. Confirm current roles and availability before making a move.

The game covered by this analysis has started or finished. This is a record of that window, not a recommendation for the next game.

How the work could change

Fact: the Saints' official gameday inactives post for Paris, published 7:02 a.m. CDT Oct 25, lists seven inactives and no running back, so Kamara, Miller and Donaldson are all active; Travis Etienne Jr. and Ty Chandler remain out. Fact: an Oct 24 report has Miller playing 32 of 72 snaps in Week 6 against the Giants to Donaldson's 24 and Kamara's 19, with Miller carrying 20 times for 70 yards while Kamara was limited all week with a back issue; Kellen Moore said of the backfield, "They have different roles and opportunities." Projection: Miller is already the early-down leader, so he is the clear beneficiary if Kamara's back keeps him out, with Donaldson the next man after him. This stays a committee, not a workhorse job. Miller is usually available on the wire. New Orleans is on bye in Week 8, so a pickup holds through an empty week.

No Saints running back is on the Week 7 inactive list in Paris, so Kamara, Miller and Donaldson all play. Kamara was limited in practice with a back problem and has been splitting a true committee: Miller took 32 snaps and 20 carries for 70 yards in Week 6, Donaldson 24 snaps, Kamara 19. Kamara is reported to handle more third-down work while Miller takes early downs. Etienne (out) is the better long-term handcuff to own if he returns healthy after the Week 8 bye, but he is not an option for this game.

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The full backfield depth chart

Every running back and fullback assigned to New Orleans Saints, including reserve and practice-squad entries. Chart order and replacement opportunity answer different questions: a passing-down specialist can sit ahead of the back most likely to inherit the carries.

Source: nflverse depth-chart feed · Feed dated Tue, Oct 27, 2:01 AM EDT. Equal ranks are ties. Unlisted backs are not assigned an invented rank. FB ranks are separate from RB ranks.

New Orleans Saints full running back depth chart
Feed orderPlayerScouting roleDraft investmentRoster status
RB1
Alvin KamaraPublished starter		Receiving back2017 · Round 3 · Pick 67active
RB2
Kendre MillerPublished handcuff		Early-down runner2023 · Round 3 · Pick 71active
RB3
CJ Donaldson		Role under reviewDraft history unavailableactive
RB4
Travis Etienne Jr.		Three-down back2021 · Round 1 · Pick 25injured reserve
RB5
Ty Chandler		Change-of-pace back2022 · Round 5 · Pick 169injured reserve
Unlisted
Jarquez Hunter		Role under review2025 · Round 4 · Pick 117practice squad
Unlisted
Ulysses Bentley IV		Role under reviewDraft history unavailablenot on roster
Unlisted
Zamir White		Role under review2022 · Round 4 · Pick 122practice squad

Every back: role, upside and obstacles

The player assessments below explain the skills that could earn work and the assignments that might go to someone else. Role labels describe scouting assessments; they are not confirmed snap shares. “Three-down” means a skill set for rushing and passing situations, not a guarantee of every down.

RB1 · Receiving back

Alvin Kamara

Age 31 · 10 years of NFL experience · active

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Capable in saved assessmentPass protection: Positive assessment
Saved scouting assessment

Available but demoted: off the final Week 7 injury report for Sunday's game against Pittsburgh in Paris, despite a third straight week of limited practice. The role is the story - 14 opportunities to Kendre Miller's 30 over the last two weeks, with Kamara used mainly on passing downs. Touchdown-dependent RB3 at best; Miller is the better hold. New Orleans byes in Week 8.

Scouting assessment saved Sat, Oct 24, 4:00 AM EDT.

Path to more work

He is the starter in the dated board above. For fantasy purposes, the question is how much of the rushing and passing work he keeps when the whole room is available.

Why the work could go elsewhere

A starter can still lose third downs, short-yardage work or change-of-pace touches to specialists. His role assessment describes the skill set, not a guarantee that every assignment stays with him.

The saved assessment credits his pass protection, which can help a back earn passing-down trust. It does not guarantee a three-down assignment.

Draft investment

2017 · Round 3 · Pick 67

Drafted by NO; not necessarily his current team.

Day-two draft investment adds prospect context. His current role, availability and competition still decide whether he gets the next opportunity.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

In 2026, his 6 recorded games include 41 carries and 22 receptions on 27 targets. He has recorded work both on the ground and in the passing game; those totals alone do not establish pass-protection ability or a three-down role.

Confirm the latest game-day designation. General active-roster status does not certify that he will dress or receive work.

Player research sources

RB2 · Early-down runner

Kendre Miller

Age 24 · 4 years of NFL experience · active

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Not established
Saved scouting assessment

The volume case is finally real: 30 opportunities to Kamara's 14 over the last two weeks, and Rotoworld calls him the more viable back in a normal game script with Kamara reduced to passing downs. Travis Etienne is on IR. It is a contract year, and a 2026 healthy scratch is still on his record, so the role is earned rather than locked - but he is the Saints back to own.

Scouting assessment saved Sat, Oct 24, 4:00 AM EDT.

Path to more work

The dated board selects him as the preferred replacement behind Alvin Kamara. That is a projection of the replacement role, not a promise that he gets every touch.

Ahead on the feed’s RB chart: Alvin Kamara. Their roles and availability shape how much work could open up.

Why the work could go elsewhere

An early-down profile offers a path to carries between the tackles. A receiving or protection specialist could still handle third downs, limiting a full-workload takeover.

Pass protection has not been established in the saved assessment. Missing information is not evidence that he cannot do it.

Draft investment

2023 · Round 3 · Pick 71

Drafted by NO; not necessarily his current team.

Day-two draft investment adds prospect context. His current role, availability and competition still decide whether he gets the next opportunity.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

In 2026, his 6 recorded games include 57 carries and 9 receptions on 13 targets. He has recorded work both on the ground and in the passing game; those totals alone do not establish pass-protection ability or a three-down role.

Confirm the latest game-day designation. General active-roster status does not certify that he will dress or receive work.

Player research sources

RB3 · Role under review

CJ Donaldson

Age 22 · Rookie · active

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Not established
Saved scouting assessment

Active but unresolved: the club's own inactives list has him available for the 16-10 loss to Pittsburgh in Paris, while a reported in-game shoulder injury could not be confirmed against a dated club source - treat his Week 8 status as open until Wednesday's practice report. Role is unchanged behind Alvin Kamara, who carried the run game into this game. Deep bench and dynasty stash only.

Scouting assessment saved Mon, Oct 26, 3:56 AM EDT.

Path to more work

His path begins with an opening behind Alvin Kamara. The dated board currently prefers Kendre Miller for the lead replacement role. Being next on a depth chart would not by itself guarantee the carries, third downs and goal-line work.

Ahead on the feed’s RB chart: Alvin Kamara, Kendre Miller. Their roles and availability shape how much work could open up.

Why the work could go elsewhere

A clear role assessment is not available. Rushing experience, receiving usage and protection responsibilities need checking before treating him as a direct replacement.

Pass protection has not been established in the saved assessment. Missing information is not evidence that he cannot do it.

Draft investment

Draft history unavailable

A verified draft record is not available here. Missing data does not mean he went undrafted.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

In 2026, his 6 recorded games include 17 carries and 4 receptions on 6 targets. He has recorded work both on the ground and in the passing game; those totals alone do not establish pass-protection ability or a three-down role.

Confirm the latest game-day designation. General active-roster status does not certify that he will dress or receive work.

Player research sources

RB4 · Three-down back

Travis Etienne Jr.

Age 27 · 6 years of NFL experience · injured reserve

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Capable in saved assessmentPass protection: Positive assessment
Saved scouting assessment — source review needed

Signed to lead New Orleans and still the volume back when available (30 carries, 128 yards, no TD in three games) before the left hamstring at Las Vegas sent him to IR, reported Oct. 1. Moore: no surgery, at least four weeks, no return date set. Kamara has the primary role meanwhile. Reads as multi-week, not season-ending, so hold rather than drop.

Scouting assessment saved Fri, Oct 2, 3:53 AM EDT. This assessment is older than 14 days or has an invalid date; current-role review is needed.

Path to more work

His path begins with an opening behind Alvin Kamara. The dated board currently prefers Kendre Miller for the lead replacement role. Being next on a depth chart would not by itself guarantee the carries, third downs and goal-line work.

Ahead on the feed’s RB chart: Alvin Kamara, Kendre Miller, CJ Donaldson. Their roles and availability shape how much work could open up.

Why the work could go elsewhere

The saved assessment describes a back suited to rushing and passing situations. That broader skill set could help him stay on the field when the starter is absent, though the team can still split the work.

The saved assessment credits his pass protection, which can help a back earn passing-down trust. It does not guarantee a three-down assignment.

Draft investment

2021 · Round 1 · Pick 25

Drafted by JAX; not necessarily his current team.

Early-round investment is part of his prospect pedigree and may support a chance to develop. It does not guarantee the next workload, especially after a team change.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

In 2026, his 3 recorded games include 30 carries and 11 receptions on 13 targets. He has recorded work both on the ground and in the passing game; those totals alone do not establish pass-protection ability or a three-down role.

His roster feed status is injured reserve. He needs the relevant roster or availability change before this becomes an immediate pickup opportunity.

Player research sources

RB5 · Change-of-pace back

Ty Chandler

Age 28 · 5 years of NFL experience · injured reserve

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Not established
Saved scouting assessment — source review needed

Out for 2026 with a season-ending knee injury confirmed by Kellen Moore on Aug. 25; on injured reserve since. No redraft ownership value this year and no handcuff value - this is a season-ending absence, not a short-term hold. Career profile is change-of-pace depth, so the dynasty case is thin and rests on a healthy 2027 in a new contract situation.

Scouting assessment saved Fri, Sep 25, 3:51 AM EDT. This assessment is older than 14 days or has an invalid date; current-role review is needed.

Path to more work

His path begins with an opening behind Alvin Kamara. The dated board currently prefers Kendre Miller for the lead replacement role. Being next on a depth chart would not by itself guarantee the carries, third downs and goal-line work.

Ahead on the feed’s RB chart: Alvin Kamara, Kendre Miller, CJ Donaldson, Travis Etienne Jr.. Their roles and availability shape how much work could open up.

Why the work could go elsewhere

A change-of-pace role can create useful touches in a limited package. It does not automatically transfer to the starter’s workload; another back may fit the early-down or short-yardage assignment better.

Pass protection has not been established in the saved assessment. Missing information is not evidence that he cannot do it.

Draft investment

2022 · Round 5 · Pick 169

Drafted by MIN; not necessarily his current team.

A later-round selection describes his entry point. It does not rule out a lead role; demonstrated production and a trusted assignment matter more than draft position alone.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

In 2025, his 3 recorded games include 17 carries and 3 receptions on 4 targets. He has recorded work both on the ground and in the passing game; those totals alone do not establish pass-protection ability or a three-down role.

His roster feed status is injured reserve. He needs the relevant roster or availability change before this becomes an immediate pickup opportunity.

Player research sources

Unlisted · Role under review

Jarquez Hunter

Age 23 · 2 years of NFL experience · practice squad

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Not established
Saved scouting assessment — source review needed

Acquired by Miami from the Rams in late August 2026, released at final cuts and re-signed to the practice squad Sept. 1. No published depth rank and no established 2026 offensive role. Relevant mainly as a possible elevation if Achane's knee injury and Wright's foot/stinger leave Miami short of healthy backs.

Scouting assessment saved Mon, Sep 28, 3:52 AM EDT. This assessment is older than 14 days or has an invalid date; current-role review is needed.

Path to more work

His path begins with an opening behind Alvin Kamara. The dated board currently prefers Kendre Miller for the lead replacement role. Being next on a depth chart would not by itself guarantee the carries, third downs and goal-line work.

Why the work could go elsewhere

A clear role assessment is not available. Rushing experience, receiving usage and protection responsibilities need checking before treating him as a direct replacement.

Pass protection has not been established in the saved assessment. Missing information is not evidence that he cannot do it.

Draft investment

2025 · Round 4 · Pick 117

Drafted by LA; not necessarily his current team.

A later-round selection describes his entry point. It does not rule out a lead role; demonstrated production and a trusted assignment matter more than draft position alone.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

No recorded NFL regular-season production is available in the two seasons shown. That is an evidence gap, not a zero or a judgment of his ability.

His roster feed status is practice squad. He needs the relevant roster or availability change before this becomes an immediate pickup opportunity.

Player research sources

Unlisted · Role under review

Ulysses Bentley IV

Age 25 · 1 years of NFL experience · not on roster

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Not established

Individual scouting research is pending. The recorded workload and draft history below provide the available context.

Path to more work

His path begins with an opening behind Alvin Kamara. The dated board currently prefers Kendre Miller for the lead replacement role. Being next on a depth chart would not by itself guarantee the carries, third downs and goal-line work.

Why the work could go elsewhere

A clear role assessment is not available. Rushing experience, receiving usage and protection responsibilities need checking before treating him as a direct replacement.

Pass protection has not been established in the saved assessment. Missing information is not evidence that he cannot do it.

Draft investment

Draft history unavailable

A verified draft record is not available here. Missing data does not mean he went undrafted.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

No recorded NFL regular-season production is available in the two seasons shown. That is an evidence gap, not a zero or a judgment of his ability.

His roster feed status is not on roster. He needs the relevant roster or availability change before this becomes an immediate pickup opportunity.

Unlisted · Role under review

Zamir White

Age 27 · 5 years of NFL experience · practice squad

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Not established
Saved scouting assessment — source review needed

Acquired by trade in August 2026 while New Orleans worked around backfield injuries - Chandler's season-ending knee, Kamara an MCL sprain, Devin Neal a hamstring. The site carries him as practice squad rather than on the active depth chart, and no offensive role has been reported. Emergency depth; no redraft value unless the room thins further.

Scouting assessment saved Fri, Sep 25, 3:51 AM EDT. This assessment is older than 14 days or has an invalid date; current-role review is needed.

Path to more work

His path begins with an opening behind Alvin Kamara. The dated board currently prefers Kendre Miller for the lead replacement role. Being next on a depth chart would not by itself guarantee the carries, third downs and goal-line work.

Why the work could go elsewhere

A clear role assessment is not available. Rushing experience, receiving usage and protection responsibilities need checking before treating him as a direct replacement.

Pass protection has not been established in the saved assessment. Missing information is not evidence that he cannot do it.

Draft investment

2022 · Round 4 · Pick 122

Drafted by LV; not necessarily his current team.

A later-round selection describes his entry point. It does not rule out a lead role; demonstrated production and a trusted assignment matter more than draft position alone.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

No recorded NFL regular-season production is available in the two seasons shown. That is an evidence gap, not a zero or a judgment of his ability.

His roster feed status is practice squad. He needs the relevant roster or availability change before this becomes an immediate pickup opportunity.

Player research sources

The production behind the names

2026 regular season. Recorded production, not a projection. A missing stat line is not a zero.

Player comparison for the 2026 regular season
PlayerGames with statsCarriesReceptionsTotal yardsPPR / game
Alvin Kamara
6412225811.0
Kendre Miller
65791966.4
CJ Donaldson
6174911.8
Jarquez Hunter
—————
Travis Etienne Jr.
3301117910.3
Ty Chandler
—————
Ulysses Bentley IV
—————
Zamir White
—————
Alvin Kamara: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 6 recorded games in 2026

Wk 214 touches
Wk 310 touches
Wk 412 touches
Wk 55 touches
Wk 69 touches
Wk 713 touches
Kendre Miller: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 6 recorded games in 2026

Wk 19 touches
Wk 36 touches
Wk 48 touches
Wk 510 touches
Wk 622 touches
Wk 711 touches
CJ Donaldson: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 6 recorded games in 2026

Wk 13 touches
Wk 21 touches
Wk 31 touches
Wk 45 touches
Wk 55 touches
Wk 66 touches
Travis Etienne Jr.: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 3 recorded games in 2026

Wk 116 touches
Wk 210 touches
Wk 315 touches

Totals include all teams played for that season. Per-game averages use games with recorded stats. Source: nflverse player statistics.

Evidence behind the backfield analysis

Compare your next bench move

A handcuff is an opportunity to hold, not a projected starter for this week. Compare the room with other teams, then choose a game window that fits your league’s rules.

All team backfieldsHandcuff rankingsSunday night stashesMonday night stashesScoring methodology