The New Orleans Saints running back depth chart has undergone a significant change after Travis Etienne Jr. was placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury.
Etienne aggravated the injury during New Orleans’ game against the Las Vegas Raiders and will now be required to miss at least four games. His absence puts Alvin Kamara back at the top of the Saints’ backfield heading into Week 4 of the 2026 NFL season.
Updated Saints Running Back Depth Chart
Here is how the New Orleans running back room currently projects with Etienne on injured reserve:
- Alvin Kamara – RB1
- Kendre Miller – RB2
- CJ Donaldson – RB3
- Travis Etienne Jr. – Injured Reserve
- Ty Chandler – Injured Reserve
Kamara is expected to take over as New Orleans’ primary running back, while Miller could receive a considerably larger role during Etienne’s absence.
Alvin Kamara Moves Back Into Saints RB1 Role
The biggest beneficiary of Etienne’s injury is Alvin Kamara.
Kamara recently returned from a knee injury and has recorded 51 rushing yards on 18 carries this season. With Etienne unavailable, Kamara becomes the Saints’ most experienced option and should see an increase in both rushing attempts and passing-game opportunities.
New Orleans could still manage Kamara’s workload because of his recent injury, making the rest of the depth chart particularly important.
Kendre Miller Could See Increased Workload
Kendre Miller now moves into the No. 2 position and could become a major part of the Saints’ offense.
Miller has rushed 13 times for 44 yards and a touchdown in 2026. He could split early-down carries with Kamara while also providing New Orleans with another option near the goal line.
After Etienne left the Raiders game, Kamara received six additional carries while Miller received four, providing an early indication that the Saints could use a committee approach rather than giving Kamara the entire workload.
CJ Donaldson Provides Additional Depth
CJ Donaldson moves higher on the depth chart as the Saints’ third available running back.
Donaldson has four carries for 11 yards this season. His immediate offensive role could remain limited, but Etienne’s move to injured reserve makes Donaldson considerably more important to the Saints’ backfield depth.
New Orleans could also add another running back to the active roster or practice squad depending on how the team wants to manage Kamara’s workload.
How Long Will Travis Etienne Jr. Be Out?
Because Etienne has been placed on injured reserve, he must miss at least four games.
That means New Orleans will have to navigate the next several weeks without one of its most productive running backs. Etienne had recorded 128 rushing yards on 30 carries while adding 11 receptions for 51 yards before landing on IR.
His earliest reported opportunity to return would come in November, assuming his hamstring responds well to rehabilitation.
Saints Running Back Depth Chart vs. Falcons
Heading into the Saints’ upcoming matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, the projected running back order is:
RB1: Alvin Kamara
RB2: Kendre Miller
RB3: CJ Donaldson
Kamara should receive the first opportunity to lead the backfield, but Miller could be heavily involved as New Orleans attempts to replace Etienne’s production without overworking Kamara.
What Etienne’s Injury Means for the Saints
Etienne’s move to injured reserve changes the complexion of the Saints’ offense.
Kamara once again becomes the centerpiece of the backfield, but his recent knee injury could prevent New Orleans from immediately returning him to a traditional workhorse role. That creates an opportunity for Miller to establish himself as a significant contributor.
For fantasy football managers, Kamara and Miller are the two Saints running backs to watch most closely while Etienne remains sidelined.
The Saints’ distribution of carries against Atlanta should provide a much clearer picture of how New Orleans plans to operate its backfield over the next four games.