Thanos said it best (not really but this fits the bit). "Perfect balanced, as all things should be" is one of the most well-known phrases in Marvel. That phrase is the case for New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen after his comments on injuries. 

Saints rule out RB Kendre Miller for Week 5

Saints signed G Kyle Hergel to active roster from practice squad and placed C/G Shane Lemieux on Injured Reserve

Also elevated S Johnathan Abram, LB Isaiah Stalbird to active roster

Officially ruled out RB Kendre Miller

— Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) October 7, 2024

This decision backs up a notion that Allen pointed at during the offseason. Missing practice time and the preseason due to injury does not just affect the physical aspect of a player's game. 

Dennis Allen says he knows Kendre Miller is talented but doesn’t know if he can learn/pick up the system because he’s not out there.

— John Hendrix (@JohnJHendrix) August 21, 2024

New Orleans has a new scheme under OC Klint Kubiak. Losing out on practice time can make it much more difficult for a young running back to catch on to the adjustments in the system.

The Saints head coach was spot on when he was evaluating this situation months ago. He elaborated on that point of view this week, too.

"… The biggest thing has been health, is he available, can he get out and practice, can he get out and do some things. And you can't really find out if he knows the offense until he gets out and starts practicing and doing some things. So, look, I think he had a good week of practice and it was good to have him out there. I was excited about having him out there, and so we'll see how he continues to go and make our decisions as we move along." — Allen on Kendre Miller via Jeff Nowak

Saints place Shane Lemieux on IR

This move follows some comments from Allen regarding Lemieux from last week. Allen said that Lemieux's injury was not considered serious. Clearly, that was not the case.

Dennis Allen said Saints C Shane Lemieux isn’t dealing with a serious issue, but he missed practice Thursday

— Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) October 3, 2024

Dennis Allen said his injury wasn't considered serious last week. https://t.co/xnzKqY7Tmu

— John Hendrix (@JohnJHendrix) October 7, 2024

Lemieux was ruled out on Saturday with an ankle injury. He did not practice this past week. He was set to be the starting center for New Orleans after replacing Erik McCoy. McCoy is also on injured reserve. 

New Orleans signed veteran interior lineman Connor McDermott off of the Jets’ practice squad last week. He may start on Monday night. 

Saints sign young player who deserves a chance more than anyone right before game versus Chiefs

May play a role on Monday Night Football.