The New Orleans Saints have not looked much like themselves to start the season off. The team is 2-3 to begin the year. They lost to the Atlanta Falcons in overtime, were forced to take the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to overtime in order to get a win and only managed 20 points against the Minnesota Vikings. The typical high-flying offense is not there while mistakes on defense have plagued the team through five weeks. However, some relief might in the Saints' future as Mark Ingram is eyeing a quick return from a broken hand.
Currently entering a bye week, New Orleans is hoping to have their starting running back on the field when they take on the Detroit Lions in Week 7. Ingram was having a strong season prior to breaking his hand in Week 2. He had put up 143 yards on the ground off 24 carries for three touchdowns. It was looking like a career-high year for the running back in a contract season. Now, the Saints simply hope he picks up where he left off.
According to head coach Sean Payton, the Saints are very hopeful that Ingram returns for the game against the Lions. When the injury first occurred, Ingram attempted to play through it, but was shut down by Peyton in order to avoid long-term damage. Payton would not out-right confirm his return, simply saying that he would be cleared by doctors and without the cast so it was a good possibility.
Getting Ingram back would certainly help the inconsistent offense. In his place, Khiry Robinson has gotten a bulk of the work, putting up 304 yards and two scores in place of the running back. Pierre Thomas was thought to be the starter based off experience, but he is struggling with just 120 yards on the ground. However, Thomas does have 187 yards receiving which certainly helps.
While the Saints might be getting Ingram back, the status on Jimmy Graham is a little murkier. The tight end injured his shoulders in Sunday's game and while all x-rays were negative proving the injury was just a sprain, it is expected that Graham misses a few weeks. That could be a devastating blow to the offense considering Graham leads the offense in receiving yards. In his place, New Orleans will need some younger players to step up. Rookie Brandin Cooks and Kenny Stills are expected to help lessen the burden in wake of Graham's injury.
