What Mark Ingram's Hand Injury Means for the 0-2 New Orleans Saints

New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram will miss at least a month after breaking his hand in Sunday's 26-24 loss to the Cleveland Browns, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. 

When asked to divulge into specifics about the injury, head coach Sean Payton was vague. 

"Nothing now," Payton said, according to the Saints' official website. "I thought he ran really well yesterday. I thought he played hard. We will evaluate where he is at but nothing today with specifics in regards to any of these guys with injury."

Ingram is believed to have injured his hand in the first half against Cleveland, according to Schefter and Mike Triplett of ESPN.com. He continued to play in the second half, running effectively to the tune of 83 yards and a touchdown. 

Ingram's performance over the first two games has been one of the few bright spots for the 0-2 Saints. The former Heisman Trophy winner was off to the best start of his NFL career, averaging over six yards per carry and scoring three touchdowns in the Saints' first two games.

The Saints are well equipped to cope with an injury at running back due to a stable of dependable options. Pierre Thomas, Khiry Robinson and Travaris Cadet have all contributed to the Saints' running attack throughout their careers, making Ingram's injury tough but manageable. 

Even with Ingram's increased workload, Thomas has remained a key element in the Saints offense. The eight-year veteran is one of quarterback Drew Brees' most reliable targets, making him a huge threat in the screen game. 

Robinson is more of a prototypical back whose strengths lie in running between the tackles. Expect Robinson to assume the majority of the carries, especially in short-yardage situations. The former West Texas A&M running back impressed last season in the playoffs when pressed into duty due to injuries.

Mark Wilkening of Pro Football Talk agrees, citing Thomas' existing importance to the passing game as the reason for Robinson being most affected by the Ingram injury.

It will be interesting to see if Payton leans on Brees during the duration of Ingram's injury. The strength of the New Orleans offense lies in its passing game. Expect Brees to have the ball in his hands more frequently while Ingram is out.

Payton is a creative play-caller, so expect the Saints to get creative in how they try to replace Ingram's production. This production could be replaced in the screen game, where Thomas and first-round pick Brandin Cooks have shown an ability to make people miss in the open field. 

The Saints are 0-2, but returning home against the Minnesota Vikings this Sunday should give them a jolt they desperately need. Ingram is a valuable asset, but the Saints should still be in good shape offensively in his absence.