There’s no hint of self-pity in Kendre Miller these days. He’s been calloused by enough hard knocks to last an NFL career.

The 24-year-old running back, the New Orleans Saints’ third-round pick in 2023, played just 21 games his first three seasons due in part to a rocky relationship with the previous coaching staff, and an injury turnstile that included hamstring strains (2024), a concussion (2024) and a torn ACL (2025).

Even this year, he missed time in training camp with a back issue before returning Aug. 18 for the Saints’ joint practice with Dallas in Oxnard, Cal.

But in the week since his return, Miller mounted strong joint practices against Dallas and the Rams, was one of the few bright spots in Saturday’s preseason game against the Rams (six carries for 22 yards and a 29-yard kickoff return in his brief appearance), and maintained an attitude that will serve him well.

“I was 20 when I got drafted,” he said Monday. “This is my fourth year; I just turned 24 in June — you’re kind of a kid coming out of college. I feel like the injuries helped me become a man — just how to handle everything. It grew me up.

“The injuries, to me, have been a blessing in disguise. I just know how to handle. It’s not the end of the world. Like I told myself last year (after tearing his ACL), I was walking after doing everything. So, you’ve just got to take the little wins and keep going.”

The Saints need Miller to keep going, and going, and going, because the running back room has been ravaged by injuries since training camp opened. Alvin Kamara (knee), Devin Neal (hamstring), Audric Estimé (ankle) and Miller all have missed time.

Estimé returned to practice Monday, but the attrition led New Orleans to make a trade — linebacker Deion Jones to San Francisco in for running back Zamir White — to provide depth.

“We have a few guys that are kind of dealing with some injury stuff and some maintenance,” Saints coach Kellen Moore said. “Zamir has played a lot of football in this league so we feel fortunate to be able to get him.”

Even so, the opportunity for Miller won’t get more golden — though it comes at the expense of injured teammates.