Mark Ingram suffered MCL injury vs Buccaneers, out for season

Saints running back Mark Ingram suffered an MCL injury in Monday night’s loss to Tampa Bay and will likely be out for the season, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

“Mark Ingram suffered a slight tear of his MCL in the loss to the #Bucs, sources say, knocking him out indefinitely and likely ending his season,” Rapoport wrote in his tweet. “He’s out 4-6 weeks, but no surgery. With the regular season only being five more weeks, Ingram is almost certainly done.”

A three-time Pro Bowler and Alabama product, Ingram was in the midst of the 12th season of his NFL career. As a backup to Alvin Kamara this season, he had accumulated 233 yards rushing and one touchdown. Against the Buccaneers, he totaled 27 yards rushing in addition to five catches for 22 yards.

Ingram, who will turn 33 this month, is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason. Ten of his 12 pro seasons have come with the Saints, so it will be interesting to see whether he returns to New Orleans for his 13th year.

Given his age, retirement is also a possibility for Ingram. He has not played a full season in five years.

The Saints have not been completely eliminated from playoff contention yet, but it isn’t looking likely with a record of 4-9 and only four games remaining on the schedule. Expect seventh-year running back Dwayne Washington to step up behind Kamara in light of the injury to Mark Ingram.

New Orleans has a bye in Week 14 before turning around to face Atlanta on Dec. 18.