The Saints are off this week, but that won't stop the injury bug from cropping up yet again.
That's the case for Mark Ingram, who is likely done for the season after suffering a slight tear in his ACL during the Saints' 17-16 loss to the Bucs, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The injury is not expected to require surgery, but will keep the veteran out upward of 4 weeks.
The Saints have four games remaining when they return from a Week 14 bye.
Saints head coach Dennis Allen referenced the injury when asked about Ingram on Monday, specifically regarding the 2nd and 8 play where he beelined out of bounds short of the first down marker to set up a 3rd and 1 that the team was unable to convert. Ingram had previously banged up his knee, but had gone into the blue injury tent and been cleared to return to the game. RB Alvin Kamara's helmet had come off on the previous play, meaning he had to come out for at least one snap.
It's the second significant knee injury this season for Ingram, who rejoined the Saints midway through the 2021 season via a trade with the Houston Texans. Ingram injured his knee during a Week 8 win over the Raiders, and returned in a Week 12 loss to the 49ers.
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The 32-year-old Ingram is set to become a free agent after this season, and hasn't yet indicated any plans to retire. The Saints all-time leading rusher, a mark he managed to eclipse last season, has been effective when available this year, running for 238 yards and a touchdown on his 62 attempts and catching 16 passes for 68 yards. With Ingram unavailable, it's likely the Saints turn to a name like David Johnson on the practice squad to fill in behind Kamara the rest of the way.