New Orleans Saints RB Mark Ingram suspended four games

New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram was suspended four games for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances, the NFL announced Tuesday.

Ingram, who set career highs by rushing for 1,124 yards and 12 touchdowns last season, will not be eligible to rejoin the team's active roster until Oct. 1.

Although Ingram is eligible to participate in all offseason practices and preseason games, the NFL Network, citing a source, reported that he skipped voluntary workouts and plans to bypass the Saints' organized team activities because he wants a new contract.

Ingram has rushed for over 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons and has registered 154 receptions over the past three seasons, including a career-high 58 in 2017.

New Orleans does have a capable replacement in the electrifying Alvin Kamara, who was named the NFL Rookie of the Year last season.

Kamara rushed for 728 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging 6.1 yards per carry, and also amassed 81 receptions for five more scores in his rookie campaign.

New Orleans' ground game ranked fifth in the NFL with an average of 129.4 yards per game last season while leading the league with 23 rushing touchdowns and an average of 4.7 yards per carry.

A two-time Pro Bowl selection, Ingram has started 58 of 94 games since the Saints drafted him in the first round in 2011. He has rushed for 5,362 yards and 44 touchdowns while adding 207 catches and four more scores.