Mark Ingram out month with hurt hand
New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram is expected to miss at least one month with a broken hand he suffered Sunday, a source told ESPN.
Saints coach Sean Payton declined to offer any specifics on Ingram's injury Monday.
"Nothing now," Payton said. "I thought he ran really good [in Sunday's 26-24 loss to the Browns]. Shoot, he played hard. We'll evaluate where he's at. But nothing today with specifics in regards to any of these guys with injury."
Ingram had his hand/wrist area taped by trainers during the first half of Sunday's game but remained in the contest after that and continued to thrive. A source confirmed that Ingram suffered the injury in the first half. He finished with 11 carries for 83 yards and a touchdown, plus three catches for 21 yards.
The injury is a tough blow for Ingram, who was off to the best start yet in his up-and-down four-year career. The former Heisman Trophy winner and first-round draft pick is averaging 6 yards per carry this season, gaining 143 yards on 24 carries with three touchdown runs.
And it's certainly another tough break for a Saints team that has started the season 0-2 on the heels of two last-second losses. Ingram has been one of New Orleans' most dependable players so far this season.
However, the Saints are fortunate to have proven depth in their backfield, with Pierre Thomas, Khiry Robinson and Travaris Cadet still available. Thomas and Robinson are both more than capable of stepping into a more leading role, if needed, in the short term.
Thomas has 10 carries for 47 yards this season (4.7 yards per carry) plus nine catches for 74 yards. Robinson has 14 carries for 59 yards (4.2 per carry) and a touchdown.
The Saints have started 0-2 despite scoring a league-best 58 points this season, losing both games on last-second field goals.
While the Saints' offense has started hot, the team's defense has allowed 63 points, helping to contribute to the poor start. Only theJacksonville Jaguarshaveallowed more points (75) this season.
