The Saints travel to Baltimore for a showdown with the rugged Ravens defense today, and will likely be without the services of rookie runner Chris Ivory in the Charm City.
ESPN's Rachel Nichols tweets that Saints players don't expect Ivory, who is nursing an injured hamstring, to play against the Ravens.
For the Saints, Ivory not being available is a loss, but a calculated one. Though the undrafted free agent from Tiffin University has been one of the surprises of the 2010 NFL season, tallying 683 yards and five touchdowns, the Saints still figure heavily into the NFC playoff picture, and don't want to push Ivory too hard before the playoffs begin.
If Ivory is out, expect the Saints running game to resemble its 2009 vintage: both Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush are back from injury, and combined for 127 yards of total offense last week against the Rams. And Drew Brees likely becomes a bit more valuable, too: the Ravens allow under 100 rushing yards per contest, put give up over 220 yards per game through the air.