The New Orleans Saints looked back to their old ways against the Green Bay Packers in Week 8. The offense was functioning on all cylinders while the defense did a solid job of containing Aaron Rodgers for four quarters. While things started looking up for the Saints, injuries are still an issue which could hurt them in the coming weeks. Currently down two running backs, a repeat performance from Mark Ingram will be necessary.
The Saints released their first injury report for Week 9 and things are looking grim at the running back position. Pierre Thomas missed practice once again while he continues to heal from rib and shoulder injuries. Meanwhile Khiry Robinson was also absent after suffering a forearm injury. Both running backs missed the game against the Green Bay Packers and could be out again for the Thursday night matchup against the Carolina Panthers. That puts a lot of stress on Ingram to step up.
With both Thomas and Robinson out, Ingram and Travaris Cadet become the running back rotation for Drew Brees. If Ingram has a repeat performance against the Panthers, the Saints will not have any issues with the ground game. The running back put up 172 yards and one touchdown against the Packers while averaging 7.2 yards per carry. That is a nice upgrade from the 16-yard performance he put up against the Detroit Lions the week before. Ingram stresses that he is fully healed from his broken hand and ready for more carries.
Tight end Jimmy Graham is feeling the same way. The receiver continues to deal with a lingering shoulder injury and had just five catches against the Packers while one of them went for a touchdown. He acknowledges that this type of injury is difficult to bounce back from, but he is ready to get more action on the field no matter what.
"You know, I've been playing. So I'll do whatever I can to be as healthy as I can come Thursday," Graham said, via ESPN.com. "I'm doing alright. I've been better. But nobody really cares about that. We'll just keep going and do what I can to be as healthy as I can on Thursday. I told Drew [Brees] I want to be a part of something special. So Sunday, I felt like that was a special night for us, and I want to be a part of those things, I want to help us win. So I know when I'm out there, even if I'm just running around with my head cut off, I know it helps Drew."