NFL Rumors: New Orleans Saints to Waive Mark Ingram After Second Straight Fumble

By Carlo Monzon
Mark Ingram
New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram (22) carries the ball as Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Frank Zombo (51) defends during the first half at Arrowhead Stadium.  Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Running back Mark Ingram is really feeling the aftermath of his blunder when he fumbled the ball during the New Orleans Saints' Week 8 game against the Seattle Seahawks. However, since that was his second fumble in two straight game, there's a chance that he might not be able to redeem himself in the future.

Early on in the game during the first quarter, Ingram fumbled the ball. This then prompted coach Sean Payton to pull Ingram out.

As Ingram was sitting on the bench, all he could think of was returning to the field to correct his mistake. However, after a few consecutive plays from the Saints, Ingram was still on the sidelines. It then dawned on him that Payton was probably sending him a message, which was his low tolerance on mistakes.

The running back's blunder on Sunday marked his second one in a row. He made the same mistake when the Saints the Kansas City Chiefs at Week 7.

But, prior to those games, he has a very minimal problem with holding onto the ball. Throughout his entire career in the NFL, he only had six fumbles. However, this was the first time that he made consecutive fumbles.

"It's unfortunate that I fumbled twice in a row - two games in a row - but that doesn't define me," he said. "That doesn't define the player I am, and I won't let it. I'm going to continue to strive to be great, continue to strive to do my best to be the player I could be to help us win and work my butt off to take care of the ball better."

"If you fumble, you can't play," he added.

Ingram will most likely play again in the upcoming game against the San Francisco 49ers. However, if he fumbles for a third time, he could end up spending more time sitting on the bench. Even worse, if he fails to save himself from his current rut, the team could decide to demote him as a backup. This could then lead to the Saints completely releasing him from the roster.