How Saints' Keandre Miller's season-ending injury impacts Alvin Kamara trade rumors

The New Orleans Saints are now 1-6 following their Week 7 loss to the Chicago Bears, and during that loss, ascending running back Keandre Miller suffered a brutal season-ending torn ACL.

Miller and Alvin Kamara were a great duo in the Saints backfield, but now, Miller is out for the rest of the year, and the Saints will have to turn to rookie Devin Neal as the team's backup to Kamara.

But, what this injury also does is significantly impact the Saints chances of trading Kamara this season. A trade was already incredibly unlikely, due to Kamara's insistence he'd rather retire than get traded. But now, it's even more unlikely Kamara is dealt.

Why Alvin Kamara isn't likely to be traded after Keandre Miller's injury

As NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported, Miller's injury is a torn ACL, forcing the running back to miss the rest of the year. He had been turning a corner this season, putting up 193 yards and one touchdown on 43 rushing attempts this season.

With Miller done for the year, the Saints have two healthy running backs on the roster in Kamara and Neal. While Kamara is in his 11th NFL season, Neal is a rookie who's had just 10 rushing yards on three carries so far in his career.

The 22-year-old running back out of Kansas will have a much larger role going forward, though Kamara is still going to handle the bulk of the backfield opportunities.

But, this Miller injury also likely means that the Saints won't be trading Kamara this season. While he's expressed his interest in staying with the Saints, and New Orleans would likely keep him, the trade rumors were noteworthy.

More: Beloved Saints defensive lineman Cameron Jordan is reportedly available for trade

However, the Saints have little reason to move on from Kamara now that Miller is out for the season. While recouping value for veteran players is key, Kamara isn't an expiring contract, and the Saints still need to roster decent playmakers on offense to get an real look at their quarterback room.

Spencer Rattler has been impressive this season, though his Week 7 performance featuring three interceptions and one fumble didn't help his case. Rookie Tyler Shough is also someone who could get starting opportunities this season.

If the Saints traded Kamara, especially now that Miller is out for the year, then the running back room would be significantly depleted. Miller's absence is already a big blow to the offense, and trading Kamara would only make things worse.

While the Saints were already trending towards holding onto Kamara, the Miller season-ending ACL tear likely means that the Saints aren't going to trade Kamara, even if a strong offer comes across their table.

More Saints News:

• Saints' Chris Olave rumored to be 'potential trade target' for New York Giants
• Saints trade idea ships $24.5 million star to AFC contender
• Saints' Spencer Rattler's fall from No. 1 pick to 5th round has a happy ending
• Sean Payton-Aaron Glenn relationship, explained: Revisiting Saints teams that included Broncos, Jets coaches