Mark Ingram Could Be Done For Season

Added on Dec 30, 2011 by Scott in

NFL

It’s been a rough rookie season for Saints running back Mark Ingram. The first-round pick from Alabama has sat out the last three games with turf toe and it appears he’ll miss Sunday’s regular season finale against Carolina after failing to practice this week. With the presence of Pierre Thomas, Darren Sproles and the reemergence of Chris Ivory, the New Orleans backfield is crowded. So much so that Ingram might be left of the playoff roster.

Head coach Sean Payton has repeatedly said they are taking a wait and see approach with Ingram. However, time is running short for the rookie to proves he’s healthy enough to contribute in what the Saints aspire is another march to the Super Bowl.

Ingram first injured the toe in a Week 13 victory over the Lions. He has been unable to complete a full practice since and all indications are the toe isn’t healing as fast as team doctors had hoped. Sunday’s game will be the sixth missed by Ingram. He was unable to suit up in Weeks 8 and 9 due to a bruised heel.

On the season, Ingram has carried the ball 122 times for 474 yards and five touchdowns, while chipping in eleven catches for 48 yards. His highest rushing total was 91 yards in a Week 7 win over the Colts. Despite receiving the most carries, he ranks third in rushing yards behind both Thomas and Sproles, who have combined for 1095 yards and seven scores.

Ivory, who burst on the scene in 2010 as an undrafted free agent, has amassed 162 yards on 37 totes since taking Ingram’s spot in the rotation. He ran for a team-high 716 yards a season ago, including 100-yard efforts versus the Bucs and Bengals.

Ingram was selected 28th overall in this past April’s draft. He was the first and only running back taken in the opening round.

The Saints are still battling for the second seed in the NFC. They will need a win against the Panthers coupled with a 49ers loss to the Rams to clinch a first-round bye.

Source: NFL.com