New Orleans Saints linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar has excelled in Jonathan Vilma's absence
 

New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma remains questionable for Sunday night's game against the Detroit Lions after practicing on a limited basis Thursday. Coach Sean Payton said he "turned the corner" in his recovery from a lingering knee injury this week but said a decision hasn't been made yet.

Vilma had a clean-up surgery performed on the knee three weeks ago, with the idea that he'll be able to be back to 100 percent for the Saints' stretch run. The team hasn't missed a beat in the meantime, though. The Saints are a perfect 4-0 without Vilma in the lineup this year - a testament to the performance of replacement Jo-Lonn Dunbar.

Dunbar earned his second game ball of the year in Monday night's 49-24 victory over the New York Giants, finishing with 10 tackles and a forced fumble. He ranks third on the team this year with 69 tackles.

When asked if he's playing the best football of his four-year career, Dunbar smiled and said, "I don't know. That's something other people have to decide. But I think I'm just getting in ever game and trying to work hard and make some plays and do whatever I can for this team."

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New Orleans Saints linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar has excelled in Jonathan Vilma's absence - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com

I like Dunbar better in the middle than outside. He's been quite a find in the middle so far this season.

I love Vilma, but we need to keep Dunbar in the middle and move Vilma to outside.

his play has been exceptional should we change back or move JV ? Or is it vilma's injury that kept him from being his old self.

Vilma's injury has kept him from being his old self earlier in the year. With that said, as much as I was opposed to it and to get the most out of Dunbar, I'm now more than open to moving Vilma outside and sliding him back inside on 3rd downs. A healthy Vilma, Dunbar, and Casillas may be our best LB unit on the field. I find Dunbar to be a slow and weak in coverage for the outside... something Vilma is better suited for.

I'll eat crow for completely dismissing the notion prior to the season. But then again, it's not like it wasn't illogical at the time given we couldn't have predicted Dunbar playing this well at MLB.

I'd like to commend Dunbar on a job well done thus far.

I like Dunbar he should be our starting MLB, he has played lights out and full of agression, I like the line up we had vs. the giants, Shanle, Dunbar and Herring { don't count Herring out just yet}. Dunbar still has a lot of upside and is young and very fast. So this so-called geek has liked what he has seen out of Dunbar and can't wait to see more.

Jo Lon has stepped up big time.