METAIRIE, La. -- The New Orleans Saints have placed rookie running back Mark Ingram and linebacker Will Herring on injured reserve, ending their seasons.
Ingram, who won the 2009 Heisman Trophy at Alabama, missed New Orleans' last four games because of a sprained toe on his left foot. Coach Sean Payton said Tuesday the injury grew worse during practice last week.
Ingram carried 122 times for 474 yards and five touchdowns this season. His longest run was a 35-yard touchdown against the New York Giants on Nov. 28.
Into Ingram's place will step Chris Ivory, who began the season on the physically unable to perform list before returning in Week 8 against the St. Louis Rams. In six games, Ivory has run for 374 yards, including 289 the past four weeks while Ingram sat out with the toe injury.
"I've always been ready to play," Ivory said. "For me, it's always been about opportunity. Right now, I'm feeling good and we're in a playoff run."
Herring hobbled off the field favoring his right knee during Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers, and Payton said Tuesday the linebacker has a sprained medial collateral ligament.
Herring, a reserve, was credited with five tackles on defense and four on special teams.
The Saints promoted rookie linebacker Nate Bussey from the practice squad to replace Herring. They also signed guard Eric Olsen off the Washington Redskins' practice squad to help an offensive line left thin after tackle William Robinson was waived Dec. 28.
Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press
