The New Orleans Saints are set to be without one of their star running backs in Mark Ingram for the first month of the season after he was suspended by the league four games for violating the league's drug policy.

This has led to Ingram being notably absent from the team's voluntary workouts this week, but head coach Sean Payton did voice that he expects the Pro Bowler to be present for mandatory minicamp next month, per NFL.com's Herbie Teope.

“He won't miss the mandatory minicamp,” Payton said of the three-day camp, which is scheduled for June 12-14. “He's indicated he'll be here for that.”

The organization doesn't appear to be concerned whatsoever by Ingram's absence at this point. The fact that he is attending the mandatory minicamp should clear up any doubt that he is committed to the team despite having to serve a four-game suspension and being in the final year of his four-year, $16 million deal.

The 28-year-old said he wants to work out a new extension with the Saints, but that will likely have to wait with the suspension. Ingram has already come out to state that he did not get in trouble with the league for taking a performance-enhancing drug, but rather something else.

Regardless, the Saints do not appear to be too worried about the situation, especially due to having stellar running back Alvin Kamara in the fold. He should carry an increased workload in the first month of the season.

It could also be Kamara's opportunity to showcase that he can be the primary running back moving forward, perhaps making Ingram expendable down the line. In the meantime, the Saints are expecting the two-time Pro Bowler to be on the field next month.