New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton confirmed Wednesday that running back Mark Ingram will not play this week after undergoing surgery to insert two screws above his thumb to repair a fracture.
"He's been sharp," Payton said of Ingram, via the Associated Press. "Fortunately, with regards to his procedure, I don't expect it being a long period of time."
Payton labeled Ingram's status "week to week," adding that the running back could not play with a cast because the fracture was displaced.
A source close to Ingram has told NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport the fourth-year pro is expected to miss about a month's worth of action.
Ingram sustained the injury in the first quarter of the loss in Cleveland, but played the rest of the game while clearing 100 yards from scrimmage.
Teammate Pierre Thomas called Ingram "a warrior" for not only battling through but also giving the Saints offense a much-needed lift in the second half.
"It's obviously impressive that he played that long with it," Payton said, via ESPN.com. "You could see on film that his exchanges were a little different and how he was taking the ball. But he's a tough player."
Although Ingram's nascent breakout season has been put on pause, the Saints are fortunate to have tackle-breaking "Making the Leap" candidate Khiry Robinson on hand to take over as the lead back on early downs.
With Thomas and Travaris Cadet also in the mix, Drew Brees' offense should have little trouble moving the chains in Ingram's absence.
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