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Because Monday was what he calls a “bonus day,” New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton wasn’t required to turn in an official practice participation report to the league office.

Consequently, Payton had no update on the status of inside linebacker Jonathan Vilma or outside linebackers Junior Galette and Martez Wilson concerning their availability for Sunday’s season opener with the Atlanta Falcons in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

While Galette and Wilson could play after suffering injuries early in training camp and missing all four preseason games, Vilma is in a different situation after arthroscopic knee surgery Aug. 15.

When asked about a report over the weekend that said Vilma’s rehab was going well and the 10-year veteran could be on the field for the opener, Payton said he would have more later in the week.

“I think its speculation right now,” Payton said. “We’ll see. I’ll have more when we get to commenting on injured players later in the week.”

The first injury report of the season will be released Wednesday when the players return to practice after a day off Tuesday.

Ready to return

Galette, who suffered a lower leg injury in early August, and Wilson, who dislocated his left elbow on the fourth day of training camp, both said they’re ready to go this week if Payton gives them the OK.

“I think I’m in great shape,” Galette said after practice. “I even ran extra after our conditioning (run) (Monday), so I feel good. It’s Sean’s call to see if I’m going to play or not, but I feel good.”

Galette said he’s not concerned that he hasn’t been able to play in preseason even though he switched positions from defensive end to outside linebacker.

“It’s not my rookie year or second year, I’m a vet now and understand the game quite well,” he said. “We play Atlanta twice a year, so that’s an advantage for me not playing in a preseason game.”

“I’m good. ... I’m ready to play fast and play hard and ready to turn it up,” said Wilson, who noted he could have played in the final preseason game at Miami. “Coach wanted to play it smart. He wanted me to get healthy, and that’s what we did.”

Payton keeping quiet | Sports | The Advocate — Baton Rouge, LA

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