New Orleans Saints team report: Jonathan Vilma expected back this week
 

METAIRIE, LA. – The Saints will likely get middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma back this week after he missed the last three games following clean-up surgery to repair a lingering knee injury. The Saints actually fared very well in his absence, winning all three games, with Jo-Lonn Dunbar stepping up as a reliable replacement.

But if Vilma can finally get back to 100 percent because of the surgery, he could give the Saints a huge boost down the stretch. Vilma was originally injured in Week 2, then tried to play through the pain for more than a month. But it was clear that he wasn’t playing up to his full potential, with the knee slowing him down a bit.


Read more: New Orleans Saints team report: Jonathan Vilma expected back this week - NFL - Sporting News

I say ease Vilma back in. Dunbar has been playing well and he deserves to be out there. Now can Dunbar be as effective on the weakside as he's been in the middle?

I would be a little hesitant to just hand over the reins over just yet, were 4-0 with Dunbar in the middle, he and the lb.s have improved their play each and every game so far. I liked the lineup in particular in the giants game, they all looked good. If Vilma wants the middle back I say he should earn it back, Dunbar has been very good and is getting better each and every game. If it isn't broke don't fix it.

I trust SP - GW leaves me scratching my head

I would rather him come back around the Vikings games.

Dunbar has been a freaking beast out there. Especially when it comes to delivering a blow on the ball carrier. There hasn't been a Saints player better at it since he's been in the lineup.

It would be hard to move JLD out that MLB spot now