Jimmy Graham isn’t the only one who’s shocked by the Saints’ offseason moves.
Saints running back Mark Ingram told Larry Holder of the Times-Picayune that he was stunned to learn that fellow running back Darren Sproles was among the players the Saints released, and that another running back, Pierre Thomas, might follow Sproles out the door.
“Everything has been shocking,” Ingram said. “If something did happen to Pierre, it would be a shocker, too. It would be completely different. I would be the oldest guy in the [running backs meeting] room. It’s crazy to think about, and it’s shocking with everything going on. But it’s just the business side of everything. Those guys in the front office are doing what they think is best to have success this year.”
Ingram also realizes, however, that he’s likely to play a bigger role in the offense with Sproles gone and Thomas possibly following him.
“It’s an exciting time in my career,” Ingram said. “I just want to take advantage of my situation and the opportunity that’s presenting itself. Just want to prove to the organization that I can be the back they wanted, an every-down back, type of playmaker that they need. I’m excited about my situation. It’s unfortunate to see a lot of guys go, but I’m excited about my opportunity that I have coming up.”
It’s an opportunity for Ingram to be something he’s never been in New Orleans: The Saints’ primary running back.