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1. VILMA IN OR OUT?

This was the toughest decision for me - and it could be the potential headliner this weekend if the Saints decide to place Vilma on injured reserve. I kept Vilma on my 53-man roster projection, but just barely.

I think he'll probably be healthy enough to return to practice within a week or two, as long as he hasn't suffered any unknown setbacks following minor knee surgery. But the bigger question the Saints need to decide is whether or not they believe Vilma can return anywhere close to his pre-injury form of 2010.

If Vilma's knee is going to continue to slow him down, the Saints might have to make the tough decision to move on without one of the most pivotal leaders of their Super Bowl era.

If Vilma doesn't make the roster, it could open the door for any number of players who barely missed my roster cut (safety Jim Leonhard, defensive end Tom Johnson, linebacker Baraka Atkins, cornerback Rod Sweeting, fullback Austin Johnson and receiver Andy Tanner among them).

2. JOHNSON IN OR OUT?

This headline could apply to Tom or Austin, both of whom barely missed my latest cut. But in this case, I mean outside linebacker Rufus Johnson, the sixth-round draft pick from Tarleton State who has continued to show progress throughout the preseason.

Like Vilma, the Saints would have to use a roster spot on Johnson even though he might not be able to contribute immediately on defense. But if he continues to show progress, the Saints could decide to save a "redshirt" roster spot for him or throw him into the mix on special teams.

Johnson, a raw but tantalizing athlete at 6 feet 5, 272 pounds, said he thought he had his best game yet against the Texans on Sunday. He lined up with some of the first-string special teams units and was the fourth outside linebacker to enter the game after Will Smith, Jay Richardson and Atkins.

"I'm always gonna be hard on myself, but I think I came out and made a few plays," said Johnson, who had three tackles in the game.

3. CADET VS. ROBINSON

This was the most difficult either-or decision on my roster projection. Rookie running back Khiry Robinson has had a better summer and has continued to impress as a powerful runner, while second-year pro Travaris Cadet has struggled with some fumbles. But I'm still giving the slight edge to Cadet because of his versatility as a return man and receiver. This is a spot where Thursday's performances could still help tilt the balance.

Read more: Updated New Orleans Saints roster projection: Jonathan Vilma, Rufus Johnson barely make the cut | NOLA.com

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Everyone is entitled to be stupid, but some abuse the privilege.

All little common sense goes a long way.