Alabama's Ingram has knee surgery

TUSCALOOSA, Ala., Aug. 31 (UPI) -- Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram had knee surgery Tuesday and will miss No. 1-ranked Alabama's opening game Saturday.

Alabama Coach Nick Saban said Ingram, a junior running back, injured his left knee during Monday's practice. Saban said Ingram is considered to be on a week-to-week basis but will miss Saturday's opener against San Jose State. The Crimson Tide play No. 14 Penn State on Sept. 11 in a key early season game.

Saban said Ingram had arthroscopic surgery Tuesday and the procedure was considered successful.

"This is not an injury that will affect Mark's future ability to make a full recovery in a relatively short time frame," Saban said.

Ingram won the Heisman Trophy and helped Alabama to the Bowl Championship Series title with a 14-0 record last season when he rushed for 1,658 yards and caught 32 passes for another 334 yards. He scored a total of 20 touchdowns. The rushing total marked an Alabama record for a season.

Sophomore Trent Richardson is expected to replace Ingram against San Jose State.