Among starting running backs, Mark Ingram's per-carry average of 6.0 yards leads the NFL.
A New Orleans Saints' offense struggling to generate big plays could welcome Ingram back to the lineup as soon as Week 7.
Appearing on NFL AM on Friday morning, Ingram said his plan is to return after the bye week to face the Detroit Lions.
Ingram did add the caveat that his fractured thumb will have to withstand the rigors of practice before he gets the green light from the Saints' coaching and medical staffs.
Although Khiry Robinson and Pierre Thomas have combined to average a healthy 5.2 yards per carry in Ingram's absence, that figure is boosted by a few big plays. The Saints have struggled to consistently move the chains over the past three weeks.
Going back to the beginning of preseason action, Ingram was running as well as any back in the league.
If all goes according to plan in practice, he will resume his long-awaited breakout season next week.
The latest Around The NFL Podcast recaps the Colts' win over the Texans and previews every other Week 6 game. Find more Around The NFL content on NFL Now.
