Saints RB Mark Ingram records multi-touchdown game against New England

New Orleans Saints RB Mark Ingram (No. 22) records TD vs. New England to open 2016 preseason: Brian Fluharty - USA TODAY Sports

NFL preseason games do not count toward winning a Super Bowl championship, but try explaining that to New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram.

The former Alabama standout and 2009 Heisman Trophy winner signed a four-year extension worth $16 million, after recording his second 1,000-yard season from scrimmage in 2015.

Head coach Sean Payton and the Saints expect a huge season from Ingram; however, the six-year veteran has to remain healthy. He’s battled toe, hand, shoulder and ankle issues since 2013.

Despite little work to open the preseason, Ingram made the most of his opportunities against the New England Patriots. He recorded his first of two scores late in the first quarter, capping off an 15-yard drive (four plays) with a touchdown run from a yard away to the game at 8-8.

Ingram’s second visit to the end zone happened early in the second quarter, as he leaped over the top of New England’s defense for another one-yard touchdown ending an 80-play drive (eight plays).

Somewhere in there, @MarkIngram22 is in for 6.#NOvsNE pic.twitter.com/IVY46omT0y

— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) August 12, 2016

He totaled 18 rushing yards with two touchdowns (seven carries) and despite it coming in a 34-22 losing effort, Ingram looked confident with the ball in his hands. If he can stay healthy and protect the ball, New Orleans has a chance to be special when its regular season kicks off against Oakland.

Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.