TUSCALOOSA, Ala.  — Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram is unlikely to play for No. 1 Alabama against No. 18 Penn State on Saturday.

Ingram had left knee surgery last week, but Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban said Wednesday the junior running back was able to run the day before.

Saban said Ingram’s knee was “improving every day,” but he probably won’t play against the Nittany Lions (1-0). Ingram wasn’t at practice Wednesday during the media viewing session.

“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.”

Ingram sat out Alabama’s opener against San Jose State after having an arthroscopic procedure to repair an injury sustained in practice early on opening week.

Backup Trent Richardson had 10 carries for 66 yards and a pair of touchdowns to go with three catches for 46 yards in the win over San Jose State. He only played the first half.