Mark Ingram's Updated Fantasy Outlook Heading into Week 7

Updates from Friday, Oct. 24

The New Orleans Saints confirmed that Pierre Thomas and Khiry Robinson will both miss this week's game on the team website.

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Mark Ingram is back, but that doesn't mean you should start him this week on your fantasy football team. Per NFL.com's Chris Wesseling, Ingram's injured hand is healed as he participated in full practice this week. He'll get one heck of a welcome on Sunday when his New Orleans Saints takes on one of the league's best defenses in the Detroit Lions.

Led by All-Pro defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, the Lions have the top-rated pass defense and No. 2-rated run defense in the NFL.

While Ingram has scored three touchdowns in just two games, he'll be hard pressed to blow up against Detroit. Is there a glimmer of hope for a big day? 

Always, this is fantasy football and weird things can happen, but I wouldn't gamble on Ingram doing much on the yardage side. The Lions haven't allowed a 100-yard rusher all season. Ingram's best shot is probably going to be as an option near the goal line.

When he's healthy, he's an excellent short-yardage back. In fact, seven of his 14 career touchdowns have come within five yards, including all three of his scores this season. 

It's a long shot, but the Saints offense still has the potential to be explosive. It is second in passing yards and ninth in rushing. If you believe Drew Brees and the Saints offense will move the ball effectively against the Lions, and land within the red zone where Ingram may be able to plow ahead for scores, you might consider him for a flex position.

If you truly have no other options besides Ingram for a starting running back position, your fantasy squad is obviously in disarray. 

I'd save him for another game where he has a more favorable matchup. The Week 8 game against the Green Bay Packers is a much better time to bring Ingram back into your fantasy lineup as a starter. 

The Packers are currently the worst team in the NFL against the run. The Saints would be smart to pound the weak Packers run defense to eat up yardage and dominate the ball. 

The longer they keep Aaron Rodgers off the field the better. As for now, you'd be best suited keeping Ingram out of the lineup.