The Saints will start the season without Mark Ingram's services.
The veteran running back has been suspended the first four games of the 2018 season for violating the league's PED policy, NFL Insider Ian Rapoport reported.
In an odd twist, Rapoport also says despite the suspension Ingram is looking for a new contract in New Orleans, not likely to happen given the circumstances.
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Ingram hasn't been present during voluntary offseason workouts but will be permitted to participate in all of the Saints' offseason work and training camp as well as the preseason.
Ingram, 28, has spent his entire career in New Orleans since being selected by the Saints with the No. 28 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. He led the team with 230 carries for 1,124 yards and 12 touchdowns last season while adding 58 catches for 416 yards.
New Orleans boasted one of the most menacing rushing attacks last season with Ingram and rookie Alvin Kamara both accumulating over 1,500 total yards while earning Pro Bowl berths.