The New Orleans Saints will not have linebacker Jonathan Vilma on the field for any remaining preseason games.
Vilma, 31, will undergo a scope on his knee and miss the rest of the preseason.
The Saints expect to have Vilma on the field for the beginning of the regular season reports ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Saints LB Jonathan Vilma undergoing knee surgery today in Philadelphia; out for preseason, should be back for opener.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 15, 2013
Already without Victor Butler (ACL) and Kenyon Coleman (pectoral) for the season the Saints can hardly afford to lose any more players on defense.
The Saints gave up 440.1 yards per game last season and that does not figure to change with mounting injuries.
If there is a positive to be had in Saints camp it’s on the offensive side of the ball where tight end Jimmy Graham is back to full strength after undergoing offseason wrist surgery.
“Last year was very difficult playing all season with that much pain.” Graham said, via USA Today
“Drew (Brees) and I are already in mid-season form. … Right now, we’re more dynamic offensively than we’ve ever been,” he said.
Graham is expected to improve on the 85 catches for 982 yards and nine touchdowns from last season.
