TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama coach Nick Saban said Wednesday that tailback Mark Ingram is unlikely to play for the top-ranked Crimson Tide against Penn State.

Saban said that last season's Heisman Trophy winner was able to run Tuesday and his left knee is "improving every day," but he probably won't play against the Nittany Lions.

"We'll continue to progress him day-to-day," Saban said. "He hasn't had any swelling or problems. If he can continue to progress — I would say he's probably not going to be ready to play this week. He might be ready by the game, but he won't be able to practice enough.

"After that, maybe we have a chance to get him back if he continues to progress."

The Tide hosts No. 19 Penn State on Saturday night in its first real test of the season.

Ingram sat out the opener after having an arthroscopic procedure to repair an injury sustained in practice last week.

Backup Trent Richardson had 10 carries for 66 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the Tide's opener.