Laurinaitis (quad) is active for Sunday's game against the Panthers, Josh Katzenstein of the New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Laurinaitis had been held out of the Saints' previous game in Week 4 against the Chargers, but the team's open date in the schedule last week came at a convenient time for him, as he's now been cleared to play Sunday. Expect Laurinaitis to take back his starting role at middle linebacker and challenge for the team lead in tackles.