It's still very early in the 2013 offseason. But so far, all signs are pointing toward a big year for New Orleans Saints tailback Mark Ingram.
Not a "breakout" year, per se, since Ingram will still have to share the workload with standout tailbacks Darren Sproles and Pierre Thomas. But Ingram certainly should have his most productive year to date in his third NFL season.
For one thing, the Saints traded Chris Ivory, turning a four-way tailback logjam into a three-man rotation. For another thing, Saints Coach Sean Payton has made it clear that he intends to make an improved run game one of his top priorities this season.
And perhaps most noteworthy, Ingram is fully healthy this offseason for the first time since he left Alabama for the NFL in 2011.
"I've just been working hard this offseason, trying to get in the best shape of my life," said the 5-foot-9, 215-pounder, who spent last summer recovering from toe surgery and a minor knee surgery.