Jonathan Vilma Says He’ll Play On Sunday

Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma told WVUE-TV that he will be activated from the physically unable to perform list Tuesday and will make his 2012 debut Sunday against Tampa Bay, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Vilma was placed on the PUP during the preseason as he was recovering from knee surgery.

Intially, Vilma’s year long suspension was upheld by Commissioner Roger Goodell until Vilma filed yet another appeal and should be able to play while it’s in effect. Vilma’s return should really give the Saints defense, which ranks last in total defense, a boost. At this point it’s unclear how Vilma will be used, seeing as though Curtis Lofton has held down the middle linebacker position.