Saints' Vilma Could Play This Sunday

METAIRIE, La. (AP) — Saints defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo says he believes Jonathan Vilma will be able to return to practice on Wednesday, although it is not yet certain whether linebacker will play at Tampa Bay on Sunday.

Vilma, who is appealing a season-long suspension in connection with the NFL's bounty investigation of the Saints, remains on the club's physically unable to perform list, meaning he could not practice on Monday. However, Vilma is eligible to be activated Tuesday, which is a day off for the Saints.

Vilma has not practiced in Spagnuolo's new defense because he has been rehabilitating from offseason left knee surgery, but has participated in meetings.

While Curtis Lofton has taken over Vilma's middle linebacker spot, Spagnuolo says he could find a place for Vilma in the lineup.