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	Miller

Down to just two healthy tight ends, the New Orleans Saints have buttressed the position, signing veteran free agent Billy Miller, who was with the team in training camp but released before the start of the season.

The addition of the eighth-year veteran was necessitated by surgery to starter Ernie Conwell, who had the meniscus cartilage in his right knee repaired last week and who figures to miss at least two weeks while he rehabilitates. The absence of Conwell, injured in an Oct. 15 victory over Philadelphia, left the Saints with Mark Campbell and Nate Lawrie as their two healthy tight ends.

Miller, 29, knows the offense from having been with New Orleans this summer and was an obvious choice for coach Sean Payton. To create a roster spot, the Saints waived No. 3 quarterback Jason Fife and then signed the rookie to their practice squad.

The Saints gave Miller no guarantees about how long he will be around. But he could play in Sunday's game against Baltimore and, if he performs well as a backup, it will reduce the urgency to rush Conwell back into action.

The former Southern California standout has appeared in 73 games, 22 as a starter, and has 114 catches for 1,212 yards and seven touchdowns. His best season was in 2002, with the Houston Texans, when he posted 51 receptions for 613 yards and three touchdowns. The following season, Miller had 40 catches, but then the Texans redefined the tight end position, with more of an emphasis on blocking. When the role changed, Miller, a far better receiver than blocker, was phased out.

Miller has the distinction of scoring the first touchdown in Houston franchise history.

He entered the league with Denver in 1999 as a wide receiver but bulked up and was moved to tight end in his second season. He has played with the Broncos (1999-2001), Texans (2002-04) and Cleveland (2005) in his professional career.

After being released by the Saints on Sept. 1, Miller had a few workouts with other teams, but none produced a contract offer.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.