Pierre Thomas, Khiry Robinson's Fantasy Outlook After Mark Ingram's Injury

Two games in to what appeared to be a breakout fantasy season for New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram, an injury has thrown owners for a loop.

If there's a silver lining, it's that Pierre Thomas and Khiry Robinson are set to inherit the workload and are surely available in most leagues.

ESPN's Adam Schefter notes the injury to Ingram:

It is quite unfortunate, really, as Ingram was the fourth-highest scorer at the position through two weeks with outputs of 18 and 16 points, respectively. Those touches and subsequent production now figure to go to Thomas and Robinson, who are suddenly not so touchdown dependent for fantasy relevancy.

Through two games, the duo have produced in a similar manner while spelling Ingram:

Name	ATT	YDS	TD	PTS
Khiry Robinson	14	59	1	9
Pierre Thomas	10	47	0	10

Both backs are now matchup-proof options moving forward, although for different reasons. 

Owners have felt comfortable with the 29-year-old Thomas for years, as his value in points-per-receptions leagues can especially not be understated. He has a minimum of at least 39 receptions in each of the past three seasons, with a high of 77 last year despite the presence of Darren Sproles—who is now in Philadelphia after leaving via free agency this past offseason.

Through two games with Ingram acting as the starter, Thomas has already been targeted 10 times. Those numbers will only increase.

Robinson is more traditional in his production. He'll get the nod between the tackles, and his 4.2 yards-per-carry average on just 14 totes so far is an encouraging sign.

Over the course of the next month, the Saints get Minnesota, Dallas and Tampa Bay before a Week 6 bye. The Vikings have been rather stout against the run thus far thanks to favorable matchups, but Tampa Bay has given up a minimum of 100 rushing yards per game and Dallas by far has the worst unit in the league.

No longer matchup-based plays, owners should feel comfortable with either Thomas or Robinson as a flex option over the course of Ingram's absence.    

All average draft positions courtesy of ESPN. All scoring info courtesy of ESPN standard leagues, as is points-against info. Statistics courtesy of ESPN.