Saints OG Ben Grubbs, RB Mark Ingram: Tale of two turf toes

The primary difference was timing. Grubbs, who signed with the Saints in March, got hurt on the Baltimore Ravens’ last offensive play in their 2011 opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Ingram, then a rookie for New Orleans, sprained his toe against the Detroit Lions in December.

Both said the injury was a nightmare after the Saints first training-camp practice on Thursday.

“It was very tough,” said Grubbs, who missed six consecutive games while his toe healed. “That was a hill I had to get over. When I injured my toe, I didn’t really see the light because it wouldn’t get better. But I was patient. I said my prayers, and I was able to get back in there and contribute.”

Ingram, a first-round pick for the Saints in 2011, missed the final six games counting the playoffs with his toe problem. He rushed for 474 yards on 122 carries (3.9 ypc) and enters this season as one of a talented four-headed backfield that includes Darren Sproles, Pierre Thomas and Chris Ivory.

He declared himself 100 percent healthy Thursday. Although he also had arthroscopic knee surgery in May, he said that injury paled in comparison to the turf toe.

“The toe was a lengthy rehab,” he said. “It was about four months. I never had any experience with a turf toe. I’d hear guys in college get it, and I’d think, 'come on, man, it’s just a toe.' Now I wouldn’t wish a turf toe on my worst enemy. It’s the most aggravating injury to get over.”

Grubbs became a starter the second he signed with the Saints, replacing departed All-Pro Carl Nicks. 

Ingram will have to work to make sure he is part of the rotation. That process began Thursday, when he did not miss any of his normal reps in practice.

“I’m back running fast and cutting full speed,” he said. “It’s just about staying healthy and staying up on the injuries I had. I feel good.”

Follow Saints reporter Guerry Smith on Twitter @CBSSportsNFLNO.