Khiry Robinson

New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton revealed that running back Khiry Robinson is expected to return from an arm injury next week against the Carolina Panthers while denouncing a report that the Saints had shown any interest in reinstated running back Ray Rice.

“We like our running back depth,” Payton said. “And if you do a little research, Khiry’s coming back next week.”

Robinson has missed the past six games with an unspecified arm injury. He hasn’t returned to the practice field yet but hinted on Twitter that he was close to a return. And he was seen in the locker room without a brace on the arm.

Things will again get interesting in the Saints backfield. Mark Ingram has been playing very well since moving into the lead back role. Chances are the Saints will ease Robinson back into the mix, but it's very possible he steals some carries from Ingram. Ingram ran the ball 23 times for 122 yards in Sunday’s 35-32 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers -- his fourth 100-yard game during Robinson’s absence.