Saints RB Mark Ingram (hand) plans to return against Lions in Week 7

New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram said Friday morning on the NFL Network that he plans to return from a broken hand against the Detroit Lions in Week 7.

Ingram has not played or practiced since he broke his hand against the Cleveland Browns in Week 2. He had 24 carries for 143 yards and three touchdowns to start the season.

"My plan is to be back out there next week versus Detroit," Ingram said.

Second-year running back Khiry Robinson has gotten an increased workload during Ingram's absence. In three games without Ingram, Robinson had 245 rushing yards on 47 carries with one touchdown.

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Ingram is in his fourth-season since being a first-round pick by the Saints out of Alabama in 2011. In 39 career games, he has 380 carries for 1,605 yards and 14 touchdowns. He was expected to have a larger role for New Orleans this season after running back Darren Sproles signed with the Philadelphia Eagles.

New Orleans is second in the NFL in total yards per game on the strength of the second-leading passing game. The Saints are ninth in the league in rushing yards after finishing last season in 25th place.

The Saints are 3-2 this season and have a bye this week. They play the Lions on the road on Oct. 17.

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- Paul Palladino