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.