Mark Ingram, Lance Moore not practicing

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Lance Moore (16) dives for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

The New Orleans Saints were missing five players at practice today, with two coming on the offensive side of the ball in running back Mark Ingram and wide receiver Lance Moore. Neither player was able to practice yesterday, so the fact that both Ingram and Moore have been held out of practice today shows that the Saints will most likely not have them ready for Monday night’s game against the Miami Dolphins. Moore’s chances of playing are less bleak than Ingram’s, who is the subject of trade rumors, but neither player would have a significant role in the Saints offense if they do play. ESPN NFL Nation’s Mike Triplett added that veteran safety Roman Harper, defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley, and 3-4 DE Tom Johnson also did not participate in team drills.

Mark Ingram is finally seeing his role almost completely diminished in New Orleans, and that’s what you get when you average 3.9 yards per carry in your first two seasons and start off your third season with 31 yards on 17 carries. Ingram has shown basically no improvement, and the Saints should hope that they can get something for Ingram in a trade, even if Ingram has denied asking a trade and Sean Payton has denied mulling a trade.

Lance Moore is also seeing his role decrease in the Saints offense, but the reason for his decline is less clear. Although there is more competition now with Robert Meachem back in the fold and Oklahoma Sooners rookie Kenny Stills getting significant targets, it’s still crazy to think that Moore is becoming an afterthought in the Saints offense with just four receptions for 44 yards this season after posting over 1,000 receiving yards last season and being a favorite target of star QB Drew Brees. Moore, by the way, suffered a wrist injury in last week’s win over the Arizona Cardinals, and it will likely keep him out of this week’s game against the Dolphins. Ingram has a toe injury.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter for more NFL updates and analysis @SorianoJoe. Be sure to like us on Facebook here and follow our site on Twitter as well.