He was suspended for the first four games of the regular season due to violating the National Football League’s substance abuse policy; however, Mark Ingram has been a major factor in New Orleans’ success since his return. He recorded two 100-yard performances against Cincinnati and Philadelphia and as of Sunday, Ingram has a place in Saints’ history.
The former University of Alabama standout scored his fifth rushing touchdown of the year versus Tampa Bay in a 28-14 win for the Saints.
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He dragged a few defenders with him for a 17-yard touchdown, giving New Orleans a 25-14 lead in the fourth quarter and tying a franchise mark for most career rushing scores.
Ingram’s score puts him at 49 for his career, sharing history with former Saints’ running back Deuce McAllister (2001-08). He is also 215 yards shy from tying McAllister for most career rushing yards as Saint. Ingram currently sits at 5,881 yards, while his predecessor ended his tenure at Mercedes-Benz Superdome with 6,096 yards on 1,429 carries.
Mark Ingram barrels his way into the end zone for a 17-yard touchdown run!#NOvsTB pic.twitter.com/yB34gMf8RS
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) December 9, 2018
He led the team in rushing with 52 yards on 13 carries in New Orleans’ victory over the Buccaneers. Three of Ingram’s attempts went for either first downs or touchdowns, as the Saints improve to 11-2 and have clinched the NFC South.
With his return, Ingram has helped the team obtain a share of the best record in the NFL with the Los Angeles Rams and Kansas City Chiefs.
He’s accounted for 519 yards rushing with five scores through nine games.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
