Mark Ingram Out With Knee Injury Means Others Will Shine

Larry Burton (Syndicated Writer)

Nick Saban announced today that Heisman Trophy Winner Mark Ingram underwent an arthroscopic procedure today following an injury in yesterday's practice. What does this mean for the Tide?

With the first game being against San Jose State, not much, but with big games looming against Penn State and Arkansas, will this hurt the Tide until Ingram is available?

The procedure Ingram underwent usually mends relatively quickly and no long-term damage is expected. Ingram could be back within a few short weeks, but why risk further injury when Saban has so many other great stallions to ride?

This injury will certainly give Trent Richardson more carries. Eddie Lacy and Demetrius Goode will certainly get the chance to shine as well.

As for Ingram, the doctor that did the procedure is Dr. Cain. He is the famous Dr. William Andrew's protege and it boiled down to mainly a simple cleaning out of the meniscus. This is good news because it means nothing was broken or torn. In other words, there is no need for lots of rehab work.

The meniscus is the soft tissue behind the kneecap and it needed cleaning out. It is not an invasive surgery. Small holes are put on the sides of the knee and recovery from the surgery is negligible. Recovery from the soreness takes a little longer.

Most writers who really cover Alabama know just how deep this team is at many positions, and this injury to Ingram will shine light on 'Bama's running back depth.

Only the insiders know just how good Lacy and Goode are. Now, for at least a short while, so will the rest of America.