Just four days away from launching his campaign for back-to-back Heismans, Mark Ingram will instead find himself on the sidelines this weekend. And, potentially, even longer.
According to a press release issued by the school, Ingram underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee Tuesday morning. Ingram sustained the injury during practice Monday.
The 2009 Heisman winner will miss the opener this weekend, and will then, with a showdown with Penn State looming the second weekend, be evaluated on a week-to-week basis.
“Mark Ingram sustained a left knee injury late in Monday’s practice,” said UA coach Nick Saban in a statement. “It was a situation where everyone involved thought it would be better to take care of now, so he would not have any issues with it later in the season.
“Mark had an arthroscopic procedure this morning with Dr. (Lyle) Cain and Dr. (James) Andrews and it was successful. We have full confidence in our medical staff and we know the doctors and athletic trainers will do an outstanding job in taking care of Mark and assisting him in his rehab.”
Fortunately for the Tide, they, one, are playing San Jose State in the opener and, two, have a more-than-capable backup in Trent Richardson.
Some in the media, and even members of Tide Nation, have argued that Richardson is actually a better running back than Ingram. With this injury, the sophomore will get the opportunity to prove — or disprove — that assertion.
Meanwhile in other breaking bama football news….. Nick Saban takes a dump.
Ingram afraid to face Penn State.
As a Penn State fan I hate to see this. You never want to face a depleted team – if you win (and that’s a big “if” here) some will say it is because they weren’t at full strength. And it give the other team a built in excuse. I’d rather see both teams decide it on the field, not have it determined by who is not on the field.
“Ingram afraid to face Penn State”
ROFLMAO!!!!! The only way Ingram would be scared of Penn State is if he actually had JoePa to deal with on the field. The rest of their roster is “IFY” at best!!!!
Wasn’t it just a week ago JoePa’s decision on QB was still amiss?? And incase you haven’t heard, Ingram’s back up is arguably by some more talented, that would be Richardson who barring injury will set his own records here real soon.
Don’t get me wrong got mad respect for JoePa and I personally think he should be allowed to coach as long as the faithful at PSU decide to keep him. But beating BAMA this year will certainly be a reach even without Ingram!
Is the Heisman going to be the new Madden jinx?
Cue Eddie Lacey to have the same kind of year Richardson had last year if this is prolonged and gets him enough playing time. I hate to see the injury but depth is not an issue at rb.
Penn State fans—hold your concern….LMAO
1-Bama has 2 more backs just as good
2-If Penn State was to win it wouldn’t be tainted because Bama is still basically at full strength.
3-This is all MUTE…PSU has “NO CHANCE”
ShaKey,
There was a Heisman jinx long before they started putting players on the Madden cover.
First of all, Roll Tide.
Ingram will certainly be missed but it is possible he will be full speed by the PSU game. He had a simple procedure done to his kness by the best guy in the business, Dr. Andrews
There’s a reason why Ingram is a 1 and Richardson a 2 and Lacy a 3…he will be missed.
I expect the BAMA – PSU game to be a classic. I expect PSU to be extremely motivated to win and at their best. I’m really glad it’s in Tuscaloosa.
Last year Bama had a question mark at QB and that worked out fine.
Should be a great game.
Roll Tide
No need to worry about the outcome of the Penn State Game. It will be the same with or without Ingram. Roll Tide Roll.