Saints activate Vilma, will play vs. Bucs; Graham (ankle) out

[Lake Louise]

New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham (ankle) will not play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, and linebacker Jonathan Vilma will play after being activated from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, a team source told NFL Network's Alex Flanagan.

Graham did not make the trip Saturday, the source said.

Quarterback Drew Brees has plenty of offensive weapons, but Graham is a matchup nightmare who caught 99 passes for 1,310 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2011.

Vilma was suspended for his involvement in the Saints bounty scandal, but is allowed to play during the appeal process. He was on the PUP list due to knee surgery.

The team later announced the moves.

The Saints lose a unique player in Graham, but the Bucs feature the second-worst pass defense in the NFL. The offense should be fine.

Vilma will be limited, but he could provide an emotional lift to a defense that has been abused all season long.

I think that not having Graham impacts the team more than having Vilma back. I know they have offensive weapons of plenty, but Graham has been one of, if not, the best Tight End since last year. It'd be different for them without him. I'm sure the Saints will be glad to have Vilma back on defense too.

 

[jonathanlambert33]

I think Graham is more of a cautious move than anything, they talked highly of his injury all week. I think he practiced every day as well.