The Saints left Week 8 with mountains of positivity after a 24-0 victory over the Raiders, but with one fewer healthy running back.
Mark Ingram left the win over the Raiders in the first half with a knee injury and did not return. That injury is a grade 2 MCL sprain, according to Ian Rapaport of the NFL Network.
The injury is on the positive end of the spectrum for a knee injury, but it does mean the Saints will likely be without the veteran for at least three weeks as he recovers. Alvin Kamara will continue to get the lion's share of the backfield work, with Taysom Hill contributing in the QB run game.
Dwayne Washington also logged four carries in relief against the Raiders and could continue to be an option. The Saints also signed Jordan Howard to the practice squad, and he could be elevated to or signed to the active roster if the team wants to see him as a replacement. The recovery timeline could make Ingram an injured reserve candidate, which would free up a roster spot. Should the team opt to send him to IR, the earliest he could potentially return would be Week 13 against the Bucs.
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Ingram had run for 196 yards and a touchdown on 51 carries, largely in relief duty.
The timing of the injury is significant, with the NFL trade deadline coming on Nov. 1. Should the Saints see an addition at RB as necessary, they have a bit over 24 hours to swing a deal.
New Orleans sits at 3-5, but just a half game back of the Atlanta Falcons for the NFC South lead. The Saints next host the Baltimore Ravens on Monday Night Football.
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