Saban: Heisman winner Mark Ingram ready to go against Duke

Saban: Ingram ready to go against Duke

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama coach Nick Saban says Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram is “ready to go” and will play against Duke on Saturday.

Ingram has practiced all week for the top-ranked Crimson Tide after missing the first two games following arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. Saban said Wednesday he hasn’t decided on Ingram’s role his first game back in a game where the Tide is heavily favored.

“He’s done well,” Saban said. “He’s running fast and hard and cutting and doing well.

Ingram is also facing questions of whether the Heisman winner would start after Trent Richardson averaged 6.6 yards on 32 carries during his absence. Richardson also ranks second in the SEC in all-purpose yardage.

“We really don’t look at it as what team he’s on or whether he starts or doesn’t start,” Saban said. “We feel like (Ingram) needs to play in this game to enhance his development in terms of coming back and rehabilitating himself physically and from a confidence standpoint.

“We’re going to play him in the game and we haven’t decided exactly how we’ll do it. Guys don’t lose their jobs around here just because they get injured.”

The Duke game comes ahead of consecutive games against ranked opponents — No. 12 Arkansas, No. 10 Florida and No. 13 South Carolina.

Left tackle James Carpenter (ankle) and linebackers Courtney Upshaw (ankle) and Chris Jordan (shoulder) have been practicing after sustaining injuries. Saban said he expected them to go through the entire practice Wednesday.