The Saints say that Mark Ingram isn’t the only thing wrong with their running game, but they’ve decided to take a look at another running back for Sunday night’s game against the Chargers all the same.
Chris Ivory is on the 46-man roster for the first time this season, which means that he’ll be an option should the Saints decided to look for a boost to the running game from someone other than Ingram, Darren Sproles and Pierre Thomas. Ivory has run for 1,090 yards for the Saints over the last two seasons while averaging five yards a carry. That’s more than two yards per carry more than Ingram has produced this season, which could earn Ivory a look even if the problems go beyond the second-year back that the Saints drafted in the first round.
Wide receiver Lance Moore is the biggest name among the Saints who won’t be joining Ivory in the lineup. Running back Travaris Cadet, linebacker David Hawthorne, defensive end Turk McBride, defensive tackle Tyrunn Walker, tackle Bryce Harris and linebacker Jonathan Casillas round out the group.
The Chargers will be without kicker Nate Kaeding, cornerback Shareece Wright, defensive tackle Antonio Garay, running back Curtis Brinkley, linebacker Jonas Mouton, safety Brandon Taylor and tight end Ladarius Green. Kaeding and Wright are the biggest absences, but the Chargers knew they’d be without both players all week.