New Orleans Saints tailback Mark Ingram (toe), linebacker Jonathan Casillas (knee) and defensive end Turk McBride (ankle) have all been declared out for Sunday’s game against the Tennessee Titans. Everyone else is listed as probable, including linebacker Jonathan Vilma, who was held out of the team portion of practice Friday to rest his recovering knee.

Ingram’s absence will almost certainly mean that tailback Chris Ivory will be activated in his place Sunday. Ivory will likely handle much of the short-yardage working load and some of Ingram’s early-down snaps, while fellow tailbacks Pierre Thomas and Darren Sproles could also see increased touches.

New Orleans Saints tailback Mark Ingram was optimistic that his turf toe injury will heal sooner than later. His toe was only lightly wrapped Wednesday, and he didn’t rule out the possibility that he could play Sunday against the Tennessee Titans.

“I’m feeling better. Better than I did yesterday,” Ingram said. “It’s an injury that can vary. For some people, it can linger for a while. For others, it can turn the corner fast. Hopefully these next few days, it feels better and I can be ready to go.”

When asked if he will try to persuade the Saints to let him play or if he thinks they’ll be extra cautious since backup Chris Ivory is available to replace him, Ingram said, “at the end of the day, whatever’s best for the team.”

“If I feel like I can bring my best to the table, I’m gonna go,” Ingram said. “If I can’t, I’ll sit if that’s what’s best for the team. But I always wanna try to go.”

As for Ivory, who has been a “healthy inactive” for the last two games, he admitted that it’s “always hard when you want to be out there. But all I can do is sit back and wait til my number’s called.”

New Orleans Saints tailback Mark Ingram missed practice Wednesday with a right turf toe injury. Linebacker Jonathan Casillas (knee) and defensive end Turk McBride (ankle) also missed the team portion practice. Linebacker Scott Shanle (shoulder) and defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis (hamstring) were limited.

Both Ingram and Casillas suffered their injuries during Sunday night’s 31-17 victory over the Detroit Lions, but Coach Sean Payton didn’t expand on the severity of either injury. Turf toe injuries can vary greatly in significance, from minor to long-term.

The Saints have the luxury to take it easy with Ingram and give him ample time to rest since they can activate backup Chris Ivory to replace him as the short-yardage/power runner. But Payton said the Saints won’t be more cautious than normal with Ingram because of their depth at the position.

“Just like always, if we feel the player can play and is ready to play, (we’ll base our decision on that),” Payton said.

Atlanta — Here are the inactives for the New Orleans Saints against the Atlanta Falcons:

Cornerback Patrick Robinson, running back Chris Ivory, fullback Korey Hall, linebacker Jonathan Vilma, tackle Ray Willis, receiver Adrian Arrington, defensive lineman Turk McBride.

This means Jo-Lonn Dunbar will start for Vilma at middle linebacker, Scott Shanle will be at strong side linebacker and Jonathan Casillas will be at weak side.

For the Falcons:

Safety William Moore, cornerback Darrin Walls, linebacker Spencer Adkins, center Brett Romberg, tackle Sam Baker, defensive tackle Carlton Powell and defensive end Cliff Matthews.

James Sanders will start at safety for Moore and Will Svitek will start at left tackle for Baker.

New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma (knee) and defensive end Turk McBride (ankle) have been ruled out for Sunday’s game at the Atlanta Falcons after missing practice all week. Receiver Lance Moore missed practice for the second straight day Friday with a sore hamstring, and he has officially been listed as questionable for Sunday’s game.

Cornerback Patrick Robinson (stomach) is also listed as questionable. Both Payton and Robinson declined to discuss the specifics of the injury, though it seems unlikely that Robinson will play since he didn’t practice all week. And tailback Chris Ivory (hamstring) is also questionable after practicing on a limited basis all week. 

Cornerback Tracy Porter (neck/back), tailback Mark Ingram (heel) and tight end John Gilmore (neck) are listed as probable after being limited all week.

With Ivory listed as questionable and Ingram probable, it’s possible that Ivory will be the odd man out in the running back rotation this week, though they have not revealed their plans. Saints Coach Sean Payton said earlier this week that the Saints typically only go into a game with three tailbacks.