NFC South: Turk McBride
As severe as the New Orleans Saints’ player suspensions were for their three-year bounty program, they’re not entirely devastating.
Middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma was suspended for the entire 2012 season, and defensive end Will Smith will be suspended for the first four games. That’s all, as far as current Saints go. Defensive lineman Anthony Hargrove, now with Green Bay, drew an eight-game suspension, and linebacker Scott Fujita, now with Cleveland, will be suspended for the first three games of the season.
But let’s stick to the current Saints and how this latest news impacts them. There’s no doubt Vilma’s suspension is severe. But the overall news wasn’t as bad as it could have been. The NFL initially said 22 to 27 players were involved in the bounty program, and there was fear many more current Saints could end up with suspensions.
But only Vilma and Smith ended up drawing suspensions. Those two have been defensive leaders for the Saints in recent years, but their suspensions aren’t going to gut the New Orleans defense.
The Saints had spent the offseason bracing for a possible lengthy suspension for Vilma, although I suspect the full season is about a half-season longer than what the Saints suspected. But they were proactive at linebacker. They went out and got free agent Curtis Lofton from Atlanta. They also added David Hawthorne from Seattle and Chris Chamberlain from St. Louis.
Let’s be real honest here. As great as Vilma was in the Saints' 2009 Super Bowl season, and maybe even in 2010, he had a down year in 2011. He tried to play through a knee injury before finally having knee surgery that kept him out for five games. Even after his return, Vilma wasn’t the same player he was in earlier seasons.
Plug in Lofton, who is younger and healthier, as the starting middle linebacker and the Saints may have an upgraded linebacker corps. Hawthorne and Chamberlain also can play outside and they’ll compete with Scott Shanle, Jonathan Casillas, Martez Wilson and Will Herring for playing time. The Saints are pretty well set at linebacker.
Defensive end is another story, and the Saints will have to get through contests against the Redskins, Panthers, Chiefs and Packers without Smith, who led the team with 6.5 sacks last season. That will be a challenge, especially in a system in which new defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo likes to get the bulk of his pass rush from the front four.
Smith is the only member of the front four with a proven track record of getting pressure on quarterbacks. Cameron Jordan, who had one sack as a rookie, was projected as a starter even before Smith’s suspension. The Saints could go with Turk McBride or Junior Galette (or a combination of the two) at the other end spot.
But it also is entirely possible the Saints will try to find another defensive end (or two) in free agency.
Middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma was suspended for the entire 2012 season, and defensive end Will Smith will be suspended for the first four games. That’s all, as far as current Saints go. Defensive lineman Anthony Hargrove, now with Green Bay, drew an eight-game suspension, and linebacker Scott Fujita, now with Cleveland, will be suspended for the first three games of the season.
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Derick E. Hingle/US PresswireJonathan Vilma had a down season in 2011, collecting 54 tackles in 11 games.
Derick E. Hingle/US PresswireJonathan Vilma had a down season in 2011, collecting 54 tackles in 11 games.But only Vilma and Smith ended up drawing suspensions. Those two have been defensive leaders for the Saints in recent years, but their suspensions aren’t going to gut the New Orleans defense.
The Saints had spent the offseason bracing for a possible lengthy suspension for Vilma, although I suspect the full season is about a half-season longer than what the Saints suspected. But they were proactive at linebacker. They went out and got free agent Curtis Lofton from Atlanta. They also added David Hawthorne from Seattle and Chris Chamberlain from St. Louis.
Let’s be real honest here. As great as Vilma was in the Saints' 2009 Super Bowl season, and maybe even in 2010, he had a down year in 2011. He tried to play through a knee injury before finally having knee surgery that kept him out for five games. Even after his return, Vilma wasn’t the same player he was in earlier seasons.
Plug in Lofton, who is younger and healthier, as the starting middle linebacker and the Saints may have an upgraded linebacker corps. Hawthorne and Chamberlain also can play outside and they’ll compete with Scott Shanle, Jonathan Casillas, Martez Wilson and Will Herring for playing time. The Saints are pretty well set at linebacker.
Defensive end is another story, and the Saints will have to get through contests against the Redskins, Panthers, Chiefs and Packers without Smith, who led the team with 6.5 sacks last season. That will be a challenge, especially in a system in which new defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo likes to get the bulk of his pass rush from the front four.
Smith is the only member of the front four with a proven track record of getting pressure on quarterbacks. Cameron Jordan, who had one sack as a rookie, was projected as a starter even before Smith’s suspension. The Saints could go with Turk McBride or Junior Galette (or a combination of the two) at the other end spot.
But it also is entirely possible the Saints will try to find another defensive end (or two) in free agency.
Let's take a look at the top Saturday morning headlines from around the NFC South.
New Orleans guard Carl Nicks didn’t sound optimistic about his chances of returning to the Saints in this radio interview. He said the Saints seem to want to go in another direction. Nicks knows more about what has or hasn’t happened in talks so far. But I wouldn’t count Nicks out of New Orleans just yet. There’s still time for something to get done and sometimes things can change quickly when there is a sense of urgency.
Roddy White weighed in on the Saints’ bounty scandal. Surprisingly, the often-outspoken Atlanta receiver didn’t say anything controversial.
The Saints reportedly re-signed reserve defensive end Turk McBride.
Here’s a list of the Falcons’ top-10 salary-cap figures for 2012.
Scott Fowler has an excellent reflective piece on how the Carolina Panthers attempted to trade for Peyton Manning before he came out in the 1998 draft. The Panthers wanted to send Kerry Collins and draft picks to Indianapolis for the right to draft Manning. Obviously, no deal went down. But, imagine the possibilities? Dom Capers still might be coaching the Panthers and George Seifert’s disastrous reign never would have happened. Of course, the flip side is the Panthers probably wouldn’t have Cam Newton right now.
Here’s a look at a list of offensive linemen the Bucs could target in free agency. Ironically, I think there’s a better chance the top two guys on the list – Nicks and tackle Jared Gaither – end up with the Falcons instead of the Bucs.
New Orleans guard Carl Nicks didn’t sound optimistic about his chances of returning to the Saints in this radio interview. He said the Saints seem to want to go in another direction. Nicks knows more about what has or hasn’t happened in talks so far. But I wouldn’t count Nicks out of New Orleans just yet. There’s still time for something to get done and sometimes things can change quickly when there is a sense of urgency.
Roddy White weighed in on the Saints’ bounty scandal. Surprisingly, the often-outspoken Atlanta receiver didn’t say anything controversial.
The Saints reportedly re-signed reserve defensive end Turk McBride.
Here’s a list of the Falcons’ top-10 salary-cap figures for 2012.
Scott Fowler has an excellent reflective piece on how the Carolina Panthers attempted to trade for Peyton Manning before he came out in the 1998 draft. The Panthers wanted to send Kerry Collins and draft picks to Indianapolis for the right to draft Manning. Obviously, no deal went down. But, imagine the possibilities? Dom Capers still might be coaching the Panthers and George Seifert’s disastrous reign never would have happened. Of course, the flip side is the Panthers probably wouldn’t have Cam Newton right now.
Here’s a look at a list of offensive linemen the Bucs could target in free agency. Ironically, I think there’s a better chance the top two guys on the list – Nicks and tackle Jared Gaither – end up with the Falcons instead of the Bucs.
Greg Hardy, Adrian Clayborn all-around DEs
February, 3, 2012
Feb 3
11:20
AM ET
By
Pat Yasinskas | ESPN.com
Carolina’s Greg Hardy and Tampa Bay rookie Adrian Clayborn weren’t among the NFL’s sack leaders in 2011, but you can make the argument they’re among the best all-around defensive ends in the game.
Clayborn 
Hardy Hardy and Clayborn showed some pass-rush skills, but they also played the run very well. That combination of skills was why they were on the field more than the rest of the NFC South defensive ends last season.
Hardy led division ends by participating in 891 of Carolina’s 1,023 defensive plays. That 87.1 percentage ranked Hardy No. 6 among defensive ends. Minnesota’s Jared Allen led the league at 94.3 percent.
Clayborn wasn’t far behind Hardy. Clayborn came in at 80.9 percent, which put him No. 15 in the NFL. Carolina’s Charles Johnson and New Orleans’ Will Smith also ranked in the top 20.
Johnson was on the field for 77.5 percent (No. 16 in the NFL) of Carolina’s defensive plays and Smith took part in 75.8 of New Orleans’ defensive plays (19th in the league).
Ray Edwards led Atlanta’s defensive ends by taking part in 69 percent of the plays. Although he was on a play count and used mostly in pass-rushing situations, veteran John Abraham took part in 61.8 percent of Atlanta’s defensive plays.
Here’s a look at playing-time percentages for most of the rest of the NFC South defensive ends:
Hardy led division ends by participating in 891 of Carolina’s 1,023 defensive plays. That 87.1 percentage ranked Hardy No. 6 among defensive ends. Minnesota’s Jared Allen led the league at 94.3 percent.
Clayborn wasn’t far behind Hardy. Clayborn came in at 80.9 percent, which put him No. 15 in the NFL. Carolina’s Charles Johnson and New Orleans’ Will Smith also ranked in the top 20.
Johnson was on the field for 77.5 percent (No. 16 in the NFL) of Carolina’s defensive plays and Smith took part in 75.8 of New Orleans’ defensive plays (19th in the league).
Ray Edwards led Atlanta’s defensive ends by taking part in 69 percent of the plays. Although he was on a play count and used mostly in pass-rushing situations, veteran John Abraham took part in 61.8 percent of Atlanta’s defensive plays.
Here’s a look at playing-time percentages for most of the rest of the NFC South defensive ends:
- Michael Bennett, Buccaneers, 58.2
- Cameron Jordan, Saints, 54.3
- Kroy Biermann, Falcons, 52.3
- Da’Quan Bowers, Buccaneers, 47.4
- Junior Galette, Saints, 33.7
- Lawrence Sidbury, Falcons, 21
- Jeff Charleston, Saints, 20.2
- Turk McBride, Saints, 19.3
- Tim Crowder, Buccaneers, 17.5
No NFC South team faces a more challenging period between now and the start of free agency than the New Orleans Saints.
They have to find a way to re-sign quarterback Drew Brees, and there are at least a couple other players that it’s essential the Saints retain. They’ve also got some important role players and will need to find ways to keep several of them despite a difficult salary-cap situation.
Let’s take a look at New Orleans’ potential free agents. They’re all unrestricted, unless noted otherwise:
Brees, defensive end Jeff Charleston, receiver Marques Colston, linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar, defensive tackle Aubrayo Franklin, tight end John Gilmore, tight end Tory Humphrey, kicker John Kasay, defensive end Turk McBride, offensive lineman Pat McQuistan, receiver Robert Meachem, guard Carl Nicks, cornerback Tracy Porter, receiver/return man Courtney Roby, defensive tackle Shaun Rogers, cornerback Leigh Torrence, safety Jonathon Amaya (exclusive rights), receiver Adrian Arrington (exclusive rights), center Brian de la Puente (exclusive rights), offensive lineman Justin Drescher (exclusive rights), linebacker Jonathan Casillas (restricted), quarterback Chase Daniel (restricted) and linebacker Ramon Humber (restricted).
Whatever deal Brees signs, it’s likely he’ll take up somewhere around $15 million of the 2012 salary cap. But the Saints will have to continue to spend big money. It’s imperative they keep Nicks. He might be the best guard in the league and he’s Brees’ top protector. Keeping Colston also would seem to be a top priority because he’s one of Brees’ favorite targets.
Once the accounting is done on Brees, Nicks and Colston, the Saints will have to make some tough financial decisions. Porter and Meachem are important role players. But they could have market value elsewhere. The Saints might not be able to afford to keep them. That would hurt, but it might not be disastrous because the Saints have good depth at receiver and cornerback.
They have to find a way to re-sign quarterback Drew Brees, and there are at least a couple other players that it’s essential the Saints retain. They’ve also got some important role players and will need to find ways to keep several of them despite a difficult salary-cap situation.
Let’s take a look at New Orleans’ potential free agents. They’re all unrestricted, unless noted otherwise:
Brees, defensive end Jeff Charleston, receiver Marques Colston, linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar, defensive tackle Aubrayo Franklin, tight end John Gilmore, tight end Tory Humphrey, kicker John Kasay, defensive end Turk McBride, offensive lineman Pat McQuistan, receiver Robert Meachem, guard Carl Nicks, cornerback Tracy Porter, receiver/return man Courtney Roby, defensive tackle Shaun Rogers, cornerback Leigh Torrence, safety Jonathon Amaya (exclusive rights), receiver Adrian Arrington (exclusive rights), center Brian de la Puente (exclusive rights), offensive lineman Justin Drescher (exclusive rights), linebacker Jonathan Casillas (restricted), quarterback Chase Daniel (restricted) and linebacker Ramon Humber (restricted).
Whatever deal Brees signs, it’s likely he’ll take up somewhere around $15 million of the 2012 salary cap. But the Saints will have to continue to spend big money. It’s imperative they keep Nicks. He might be the best guard in the league and he’s Brees’ top protector. Keeping Colston also would seem to be a top priority because he’s one of Brees’ favorite targets.
Once the accounting is done on Brees, Nicks and Colston, the Saints will have to make some tough financial decisions. Porter and Meachem are important role players. But they could have market value elsewhere. The Saints might not be able to afford to keep them. That would hurt, but it might not be disastrous because the Saints have good depth at receiver and cornerback.
NEW ORLEANS -- The Saints will be without several injured players for the “Monday Night Football’’ game with the Atlanta Falcons.
No big surprises since all three of these were pretty much expected. Running back Mark Ingram, linebacker Jonathan Casillas and defensive end Turk McBride have been declared inactive.
Also inactive for the Saints are cornerback Leigh Torrence, offensive tackle William Robinson, tight end Michael Higgins and receiver Adrian Arrington.
No big surprises since all three of these were pretty much expected. Running back Mark Ingram, linebacker Jonathan Casillas and defensive end Turk McBride have been declared inactive.
Also inactive for the Saints are cornerback Leigh Torrence, offensive tackle William Robinson, tight end Michael Higgins and receiver Adrian Arrington.
NFC South players not signed for 2012
December, 22, 2011
12/22/11
8:29
AM ET
By
Pat Yasinskas | ESPN.com
A lot can change between now and the start of free agency and I sure don’t see any way the New Orleans Saints let quarterback/King Drew Brees walk away. I also think there’s a pretty good chance tight end Tony Gonzalez can return to the Atlanta Falcons if he chooses. Same for cornerback Ronde Barber with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and maybe even Jeremy Shockey with the Carolina Panthers.
But all we know about those guys at the moment is they’re not under contract for 2012. We’ll do much more on free agency as it gets closer but I’ve got the complete list of every NFC South player presently not under contract for 2012.
I’ll list them by team here and we’ll only go with the guys who have at least four years of service and can become unrestricted free agents. We’ll deal with restricted and exclusive-rights free agents at another time.
Atlanta Falcons: Tony Gonzalez, tight end; Reggie Kelly, tight end; Todd McClure, center; Mike Peterson, linebacker; John Abraham, defensive end; Joe Zelenka, long-snapper; Chris Redman, quarterback; Kirk Chambers, offensive line; Kelvin Hayden, cornerback; Brett Romberg, offensive line; James Sanders, safety; Jason Snelling, running back; Kroy Biermann, defensive end; Thomas DeCoud, safety; Harry Douglas, receiver; Brent Grimes, cornerback; Curtis Lofton, linebacker; Eric Weems, receiver.
Carolina Panthers: Jeremy Shockey, tight end; Reggie Wells, offensive line; Derek Anderson, quarterback; Geoff Hangartner, center/guard; Omar Gaither, linebacker; Cletis Gordon, cornerback; Legedu Naanee, receiver; Antwan Applewhite, linebacker; Mackenzy Beranadeau, offensive line; Dan Connor, linebacker; J.J. Jansen, long-snapper; Jerome Felton, fullback; Jordan Senn, linebacker.
New Orleans Saints: John Kasay, kicker; Drew Brees, quarterback; Shaun Rogers, defensive tackle; John Gilmore, tight end; Aubrayo Franklin, defensive tackle; Marques Colston, receiver; Pat McQuistan, offensive line; Courtney Roby, receiver; Leigh Torrence, cornerback; Jeff Charleston, defensive end; Turk McBride, defensive end; Robert Meachem, receiver; Jo-Lonn Dunbar, linebacker; Carl Nicks, guard; Tracy Porter, cornerback.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ronde Barber, cornerback; Earnest Graham, running back; Sean Jones, safety; Connor Barth, kicker; Geno Hayes, linebacker; Josh Johnson, quarterback; James Lee, offensive line; Corey Lynch, safety; Elbert Mack, cornerback; Frank Okam, defensive tackle; Micheal Spurlock, receiver; Jeremy Zuttah, offensive line.
But all we know about those guys at the moment is they’re not under contract for 2012. We’ll do much more on free agency as it gets closer but I’ve got the complete list of every NFC South player presently not under contract for 2012.
I’ll list them by team here and we’ll only go with the guys who have at least four years of service and can become unrestricted free agents. We’ll deal with restricted and exclusive-rights free agents at another time.
Atlanta Falcons: Tony Gonzalez, tight end; Reggie Kelly, tight end; Todd McClure, center; Mike Peterson, linebacker; John Abraham, defensive end; Joe Zelenka, long-snapper; Chris Redman, quarterback; Kirk Chambers, offensive line; Kelvin Hayden, cornerback; Brett Romberg, offensive line; James Sanders, safety; Jason Snelling, running back; Kroy Biermann, defensive end; Thomas DeCoud, safety; Harry Douglas, receiver; Brent Grimes, cornerback; Curtis Lofton, linebacker; Eric Weems, receiver.
Carolina Panthers: Jeremy Shockey, tight end; Reggie Wells, offensive line; Derek Anderson, quarterback; Geoff Hangartner, center/guard; Omar Gaither, linebacker; Cletis Gordon, cornerback; Legedu Naanee, receiver; Antwan Applewhite, linebacker; Mackenzy Beranadeau, offensive line; Dan Connor, linebacker; J.J. Jansen, long-snapper; Jerome Felton, fullback; Jordan Senn, linebacker.
New Orleans Saints: John Kasay, kicker; Drew Brees, quarterback; Shaun Rogers, defensive tackle; John Gilmore, tight end; Aubrayo Franklin, defensive tackle; Marques Colston, receiver; Pat McQuistan, offensive line; Courtney Roby, receiver; Leigh Torrence, cornerback; Jeff Charleston, defensive end; Turk McBride, defensive end; Robert Meachem, receiver; Jo-Lonn Dunbar, linebacker; Carl Nicks, guard; Tracy Porter, cornerback.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ronde Barber, cornerback; Earnest Graham, running back; Sean Jones, safety; Connor Barth, kicker; Geno Hayes, linebacker; Josh Johnson, quarterback; James Lee, offensive line; Corey Lynch, safety; Elbert Mack, cornerback; Frank Okam, defensive tackle; Micheal Spurlock, receiver; Jeremy Zuttah, offensive line.
Checking the injuries that matter most
December, 9, 2011
12/09/11
4:28
PM ET
By
Pat Yasinskas | ESPN.com
It’s late in the season and the injuries are piling up. We’ve got a bunch of injured players all around the division, so let’s get the update on the most significant ones.
There’s mixed news out of Tampa Bay. Although quarterback Josh Freeman (shoulder) is listed as questionable, he got some first-team work Friday and may be able to play Sunday at Jacksonville. But cornerback Aqib Talib (hamstring) has been ruled out. Safety Larry Asante (hamstring) is doubtful and that could mean some playing time for Ahmad Black, who was promoted from the practice squad Friday. Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth (knee) is questionable, but fully participated in Friday’s practice.
Some significant news out of New Orleans: running back Mark Ingram (toe) has been declared out. You’ve got to admire the Saints. They’re without Ingram, so they’ll just plug last year’s leading rusher, Chris Ivory, into the backfield rotation with Darren Sproles and Pierre Thomas. Linebacker Jonathan Casillas (knee) and defensive end Turk McBride (ankle) also have been ruled out.
The Falcons are facing some pretty steep injury issues. Cornerback Brent Grimes (knee) is out and cornerback Kelvin Hayden (toe) is doubtful. That means another week of Christopher Owens and Dominique Franks getting significant playing time. Linebacker Stephen Nicholas (quadriceps) also is doubtful, which probably means another start for Mike Peterson. Left tackle Will Svitek (groin) is questionable and it looks like Sam Baker could return to the starting lineup after missing six games.
Carolina left tackle Jordan Gross (ankle) is listed as questionable. Gross did not practice this week. But Gross did run on the sidelines Friday and coach Ron Rivera said Gross moved well. Gross is a veteran and the fact that he didn’t practice during the week won’t be enough to keep him out of the lineup if the ankle feels fine on Sunday morning.
There’s mixed news out of Tampa Bay. Although quarterback Josh Freeman (shoulder) is listed as questionable, he got some first-team work Friday and may be able to play Sunday at Jacksonville. But cornerback Aqib Talib (hamstring) has been ruled out. Safety Larry Asante (hamstring) is doubtful and that could mean some playing time for Ahmad Black, who was promoted from the practice squad Friday. Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth (knee) is questionable, but fully participated in Friday’s practice.
Some significant news out of New Orleans: running back Mark Ingram (toe) has been declared out. You’ve got to admire the Saints. They’re without Ingram, so they’ll just plug last year’s leading rusher, Chris Ivory, into the backfield rotation with Darren Sproles and Pierre Thomas. Linebacker Jonathan Casillas (knee) and defensive end Turk McBride (ankle) also have been ruled out.
The Falcons are facing some pretty steep injury issues. Cornerback Brent Grimes (knee) is out and cornerback Kelvin Hayden (toe) is doubtful. That means another week of Christopher Owens and Dominique Franks getting significant playing time. Linebacker Stephen Nicholas (quadriceps) also is doubtful, which probably means another start for Mike Peterson. Left tackle Will Svitek (groin) is questionable and it looks like Sam Baker could return to the starting lineup after missing six games.
Carolina left tackle Jordan Gross (ankle) is listed as questionable. Gross did not practice this week. But Gross did run on the sidelines Friday and coach Ron Rivera said Gross moved well. Gross is a veteran and the fact that he didn’t practice during the week won’t be enough to keep him out of the lineup if the ankle feels fine on Sunday morning.
NEW ORLEANS -- Running back Chris Ivory is inactive for Sunday night’s game against the Detroit Lions.
Ivory is healthy, but the Saints made him inactive last week as well. They’ve been using Darren Sproles, Pierre Thomas and rookie Mark Ingram in a backfield rotation.
Also inactive for the Saints are receiver Adrian Arrington, cornerback Johnny Patrick, linebacker Martez Wilson, lineman Will Robinson, defensive end Turk McBride and tight end Michael Higgins.
Linebacker Jonathan Vilma, who had been out with a knee injury, is active and is expected to start.
The inactives for Detroit are safety Louis Delmas, defensive back Chris Houston, quarterback Drew Stanton, defensive end Lawrence Jackson, guard Leonard Davis, running back Aaron Brown and cornerback Brandon McDonald are inactive.
Ivory is healthy, but the Saints made him inactive last week as well. They’ve been using Darren Sproles, Pierre Thomas and rookie Mark Ingram in a backfield rotation.
Also inactive for the Saints are receiver Adrian Arrington, cornerback Johnny Patrick, linebacker Martez Wilson, lineman Will Robinson, defensive end Turk McBride and tight end Michael Higgins.
Linebacker Jonathan Vilma, who had been out with a knee injury, is active and is expected to start.
The inactives for Detroit are safety Louis Delmas, defensive back Chris Houston, quarterback Drew Stanton, defensive end Lawrence Jackson, guard Leonard Davis, running back Aaron Brown and cornerback Brandon McDonald are inactive.
Jonathan Vilma probable for Sunday
December, 2, 2011
12/02/11
5:31
PM ET
By
Pat Yasinskas | ESPN.com
It looks like the New Orleans Saints will get their defensive leader back for Sunday night’s game with Detroit.
Jonathan Vilma, who has been out the past four games with a knee injury, is listed as probable.
The rest of New Orleans’ injury report is pretty light. Backup defensive end Turk McBride (ankle) already has been declared out.
The only other players on the report are cornerback Jabari Greer (knee) and defensive tackle Tom Johnson (elbow). Both are listed as probable.
Jonathan Vilma, who has been out the past four games with a knee injury, is listed as probable.
The rest of New Orleans’ injury report is pretty light. Backup defensive end Turk McBride (ankle) already has been declared out.
The only other players on the report are cornerback Jabari Greer (knee) and defensive tackle Tom Johnson (elbow). Both are listed as probable.
NEW ORLEANS -- Linebacker Jonathan Vilma and running back Chris Ivory will not play for the New Orleans Saints on Monday night.
Vilma has been sidelined by a knee injury. Ivory is healthy, but the Saints elected to activate only Darren Sproles, Mark Ingram and Pierre Thomas for this game.
The other inactives for the Saints are offensive tackle William Robinson, tight end Michael Higgins, receiver Adrian Arrington and defensive end Turk McBride.
Vilma has been sidelined by a knee injury. Ivory is healthy, but the Saints elected to activate only Darren Sproles, Mark Ingram and Pierre Thomas for this game.
The other inactives for the Saints are offensive tackle William Robinson, tight end Michael Higgins, receiver Adrian Arrington and defensive end Turk McBride.
Vilma questionable for Monday night
November, 26, 2011
11/26/11
2:58
PM ET
By
Pat Yasinskas | ESPN.com
The New Orleans Saints just issued their final injury report for Monday night's game with the New York Giants and it looks like linebacker Jonathan Vilma (knee) will be a game-day decision.
The Saints are listing Vilma as questionable and he did not practice Saturday. He did practice on a limited basis Friday. The Saints also declared defensive end Turk McBride (ankle) as out for Monday night.
The only two other players on the injury report are defensive end Cameron Jordan (hand) and cornerback Patrick Robinson (stomach). Both players are listed as probable and both practiced fully each of the past three days.
The Saints are listing Vilma as questionable and he did not practice Saturday. He did practice on a limited basis Friday. The Saints also declared defensive end Turk McBride (ankle) as out for Monday night.
The only two other players on the injury report are defensive end Cameron Jordan (hand) and cornerback Patrick Robinson (stomach). Both players are listed as probable and both practiced fully each of the past three days.
Saints' Chris Ivory, Patrick Robinson out
November, 13, 2011
11/13/11
11:51
AM ET
By
Pat Yasinskas | ESPN.com
ATLANTA – The New Orleans Saints will be without injured running back Chris Ivory (hamstring) and cornerback Patrick Robinson (stomach).
Running back Mark Ingram, who had missed two games with an injury, is active and likely will be used in a rotation with Darren Sproles and Pierre Thomas. With Robinson out, Tracy Porter and Jabari Greer will start at cornerback and the Saints likely will use Leigh Torrence as the nickelback.
Ivory and Robinson join linebacker Jonathan Vilma (knee), who already had been declared out on Sunday’s inactive list. Also inactive for the Saints are fullback Korey Hall, tackle Ray Willis, receiver Adrian Arrington and defensive end Turk McBride.
Running back Mark Ingram, who had missed two games with an injury, is active and likely will be used in a rotation with Darren Sproles and Pierre Thomas. With Robinson out, Tracy Porter and Jabari Greer will start at cornerback and the Saints likely will use Leigh Torrence as the nickelback.
Ivory and Robinson join linebacker Jonathan Vilma (knee), who already had been declared out on Sunday’s inactive list. Also inactive for the Saints are fullback Korey Hall, tackle Ray Willis, receiver Adrian Arrington and defensive end Turk McBride.
Checking injuries that matter most
November, 11, 2011
11/11/11
4:13
PM ET
By
Pat Yasinskas | ESPN.com
We’re at the midway point of the season and guys are getting banged up. I guess that’s why we have what looks to be the most significant Friday injury report so far this season.
Some things already have been decided and some are still hanging out there. For the game-time decisions, be sure to check the blog about 90 minutes before kickoff Sunday. That’s when we start to get the game-day inactives.
Let’s start with the New Orleans Saints because they’ve got some very definitive news. Linebacker Jonathan Vilma (knee) will miss his second straight game. Vilma is the heart and soul of the New Orleans defense and this one is going to hurt. Jo-Lonn Dunbar likely will start in Vilma’s place at middle linebacker. Defensive end Turk McBride (ankle) also has been declared out.
The rest of the New Orleans injury report isn’t quite as clear. Cornerback Patrick Robinson (stomach) is listed as questionable, but the good news is Tracy Porter (chest/neck) is listed as probable. Receiver Lance Moore (hamstring) and running back Chris Ivory (hamstring) are questionable.
There’s mixed news out of Atlanta. Safety William Moore (quadriceps) is listed as doubtful. That likely means veteran James Sanders will start in Moore’s place. On the bright side, rookie receiver Julio Jones (hamstring) is probable after practicing on a limited basis Friday.
Carolina linebacker James Anderson (ankle) did not practice Friday and is listed as questionable. The Panthers already lost their other two initial starting linebackers (Jon Beason) and Thomas Davis) to season-ending injuries.
Tampa Bay left guard Jeremy Zuttah, who missed last week’s game with a knee injury, is expected to be back in the starting lineup Sunday. Defensive tackle Frank Okam (calf) is questionable. That means it’s likely that newly-acquired Albert Haynesworth probably will get some playing time Sunday.
Some things already have been decided and some are still hanging out there. For the game-time decisions, be sure to check the blog about 90 minutes before kickoff Sunday. That’s when we start to get the game-day inactives.
Let’s start with the New Orleans Saints because they’ve got some very definitive news. Linebacker Jonathan Vilma (knee) will miss his second straight game. Vilma is the heart and soul of the New Orleans defense and this one is going to hurt. Jo-Lonn Dunbar likely will start in Vilma’s place at middle linebacker. Defensive end Turk McBride (ankle) also has been declared out.
The rest of the New Orleans injury report isn’t quite as clear. Cornerback Patrick Robinson (stomach) is listed as questionable, but the good news is Tracy Porter (chest/neck) is listed as probable. Receiver Lance Moore (hamstring) and running back Chris Ivory (hamstring) are questionable.
There’s mixed news out of Atlanta. Safety William Moore (quadriceps) is listed as doubtful. That likely means veteran James Sanders will start in Moore’s place. On the bright side, rookie receiver Julio Jones (hamstring) is probable after practicing on a limited basis Friday.
Carolina linebacker James Anderson (ankle) did not practice Friday and is listed as questionable. The Panthers already lost their other two initial starting linebackers (Jon Beason) and Thomas Davis) to season-ending injuries.
Tampa Bay left guard Jeremy Zuttah, who missed last week’s game with a knee injury, is expected to be back in the starting lineup Sunday. Defensive tackle Frank Okam (calf) is questionable. That means it’s likely that newly-acquired Albert Haynesworth probably will get some playing time Sunday.
As they prepare for Sunday’s game with Atlanta, the New Orleans Saints appear to have some injury issues on defense.
Three key players sat out Wednesday’s practice. Middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma (knee) and cornerbacks Tracy Porter (neck/chest) and Patrick Robinson (stomach) sat out.
Vilma, the unquestioned leader of the defense, had been playing with a knee injury much of the season. The Saints finally shut him down Sunday against Tampa Bay. It’s unclear if Vilma is any closer to playing this week. If he’s not, the Saints might have to again move Jo-Lonn Dunbar into the middle of their defense.
Robinson has been dealing with a stomach issue this week. Coach Sean Payton said he didn’t have a firm diagnosis yet, but Robinson may be experiencing something similar to appendicitis. If Robinson and Porter can’t play Sunday, the Saints would be very short handed at cornerback. Leigh Torrence likely would start opposite Jabari Greer and rookie Johnny Patrick, who has barely played this season, would have to take on a bigger role.
Reserve defensive end Turk McBride (ankle) also missed practice. Running back Mark Ingram (heel) returned to practice on a limited basis. Ingram has missed the last two games.
Three key players sat out Wednesday’s practice. Middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma (knee) and cornerbacks Tracy Porter (neck/chest) and Patrick Robinson (stomach) sat out.
Vilma, the unquestioned leader of the defense, had been playing with a knee injury much of the season. The Saints finally shut him down Sunday against Tampa Bay. It’s unclear if Vilma is any closer to playing this week. If he’s not, the Saints might have to again move Jo-Lonn Dunbar into the middle of their defense.
Robinson has been dealing with a stomach issue this week. Coach Sean Payton said he didn’t have a firm diagnosis yet, but Robinson may be experiencing something similar to appendicitis. If Robinson and Porter can’t play Sunday, the Saints would be very short handed at cornerback. Leigh Torrence likely would start opposite Jabari Greer and rookie Johnny Patrick, who has barely played this season, would have to take on a bigger role.
Reserve defensive end Turk McBride (ankle) also missed practice. Running back Mark Ingram (heel) returned to practice on a limited basis. Ingram has missed the last two games.
Pro Bowl balloting has begun.
Since we often talk about how the NFC South sometimes gets overshadowed by teams in bigger markets, let me urge you to go vote. This is your chance to make a difference.
I won’t tell you who to vote for. That’s up to you. But I will point out a few items I noticed as I scanned the ballot.
New Orleans’ Darren Sproles isn’t on there as a running back (he is on there as a kick returner). Neither is Mark Ingram, but Pierre Thomas is on the ballot.
New Orleans receivers Marques Colston, Devery Henderson and Robert Meachem are on the ballot, but Lance Moore is not. I realize New Orleans has an abundance of receivers and the NFL has to be diplomatic. But, the flip side of this is, Carolina’s Legedu Naanee is on the ballot. I’ve got a little problem with that one.
Tampa Bay fullback, Earnest Graham, who had been playing some tailback, is on the ballot. Graham’s about to go on the injured reserve list.
New Orleans defensive end Will Smith is not on the ballot. Teammates Cameron Jordan and Turk McBride are on the ballot. Have to wonder is Smith’s two-game suspension to start the season might have made the people who pick who goes on the ballots forget about him?
Then again, Tampa Bay free safety Tanard Jackson, who was suspended for the first five games, is on the ballot.
Since we often talk about how the NFC South sometimes gets overshadowed by teams in bigger markets, let me urge you to go vote. This is your chance to make a difference.
I won’t tell you who to vote for. That’s up to you. But I will point out a few items I noticed as I scanned the ballot.
New Orleans’ Darren Sproles isn’t on there as a running back (he is on there as a kick returner). Neither is Mark Ingram, but Pierre Thomas is on the ballot.
New Orleans receivers Marques Colston, Devery Henderson and Robert Meachem are on the ballot, but Lance Moore is not. I realize New Orleans has an abundance of receivers and the NFL has to be diplomatic. But, the flip side of this is, Carolina’s Legedu Naanee is on the ballot. I’ve got a little problem with that one.
Tampa Bay fullback, Earnest Graham, who had been playing some tailback, is on the ballot. Graham’s about to go on the injured reserve list.
New Orleans defensive end Will Smith is not on the ballot. Teammates Cameron Jordan and Turk McBride are on the ballot. Have to wonder is Smith’s two-game suspension to start the season might have made the people who pick who goes on the ballots forget about him?
Then again, Tampa Bay free safety Tanard Jackson, who was suspended for the first five games, is on the ballot.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Pat Yasinskas
Yasinskas joined ESPN.com in January 2008 after covering the Carolina Panthers for The Charlotte Observer for nine seasons. He began his journalism career with The Tampa Tribune in 1990.
