In his Week 8 performance against the Green Bay Packers, Mark Ingram finally looked like the player the New Orleans Saints were expecting when they made him a first round pick out of Alabama.

The Saints declined their fifth-year option on Ingram last offseason.

Ingram is expected to become a free agent in 2015 and is still realtively young and without a ton of miles, which could make him an attractive option for teams looking for a running back.

One scout said Ingram is finally realizing his substantial talent due to increased confidence and the late 2013 shift to an inside/outside blocking scheme that emphasizes his strengths.

Jimmy Graham is expected to miss two to three weeks after the New Orleans Saints' bye week, according to a source.

Graham is currently dealing with a shoulder sprain.

The Saints would be without Graham for games against the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers, according to that timetable.

Jimmy Graham injured his shoulder in the New Orleans Saints' Week 5 overtime win.

Graham missed the second half and overtime, but the Saints don't believe the injury is serious.

Graham took a hit to the shoulder in the second quarter. He went into the locker room for X-rays and never returned.

Graham caught two passes for 36 yards prior to the injury.

Jarius Byrd will be out for the remainder of the 2014 season with a torn meniscus.

Byrd sustained the injury during Thursday's practice.

The New Orleans Saints signed Byrd this offseason on a six-year, $54 million deal.

"You know, it's terrible for the young man. He worked so hard, and he's getting ready to play a big game against his father (Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerbacks coach Gill Byrd). That's tough," Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan said. "But for us, in football, it's the tough part of this business. Guys get injured, and you have to step up and move on. And that's what we've done. He's loved by his teammates and his coaches. ... But we'll be ready to go."