Saints ILB Jonathan Vilma (knee) is expected to miss multiple games. Vilma appears to be having complications as he tries to come back from an Aug. 15 scope. He also had multiple knee surgeries in 2011 and 2012. The Saints will once again be thin at linebacker as David Hawthorne is forced into the starting lineup next to Curtis Lofton. Beat writer Larry Holder suggests injured reserve is a possibility for Vilma.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports it's "pretty doubtful" Saints ILB Jonathan Vilma (knee) will be ready for Week 1. Vilma had his knee scoped August 15. There have been mixed reports the last couple of days on his potential availability for the opener versus the Falcons. More than likely, David Hawthorne will start next to Curtis Lofton. The Saints defense isn't going to be on the fantasy radar at any point this season.

Saints ILB Jonathan Vilma remains questionable for Week 1. Vilma underwent a knee scope on Aug. 15 to relieve swelling and discomfort. If he can't go, David Hawthorne will start next to Curtis Lofton against the Falcons. Either way, the Saints' defense is going to struggle to get stops.

Saints ILB Jonathan Vilma is undergoing knee surgery Thursday and is out for the rest of the preseason.

Jonathan Vilma says he's in the "best shape of his life." Vilma has underwent multiple knee surgeries the last two seasons, but claims to be fully healthy entering training camp and is expected to start at weak-side linebacker in Rob Ryan's 3-4 defense. "Physically, I'm very good, a lot better," Vilma said. "I just needed a little time (to rehab) that I didn't get last year because of everything that was going on."

Jonathan Vilma and Curtis Lofton worked as the Saints' starting inside linebackers throughout OTAs and minicamp. Vilma is playing the weak-inside position, while Lofton is the strong-side inside linebacker or "Mike." David Hawthorne doesn't appear to be pushing Vilma, who is superior in terms of both range and coverage. Lofton led the Saints in tackles (123) last season and figures to do so again this year.

The Times-Picayune says Jonathan Vilma "seems to be" the front-runner for the second starting inside linebacker job. We'll see. Vilma is in his decline phase at age 31 and is really wearing down against the run. He'll have to hold off a strong challenge from David Hawthorne in camp. Vilma may be best-suited to fill a nickel role at this point in his career.

Saints LB Jonathan Vilma took a $3.7 million pay cut to stay in New Orleans. He sliced his salary from $4.8 million all the way down to $1 million. Vilma did have his offseason workout bonus increased from $100,000 to $200,000, but this was a pretty large pay cut. Vilma's salary cap number has been reduced from $8.633 million to $3.833 million. Though a poor run defender at age 31, Vilma remains decent in pass coverage. He'll likely be a nickel 'backer in 2013.

CBS reports the Saints have offered LB Jonathan Vilma and DE Will Smith "lesser deals to stay." Neither Vilma ($5.9 million) nor Smith ($10 million) had a prayer of remaining at their currently scheduled salaries, but it's interesting the Saints are giving them a chance to stay at all. Both players are on the wrong side of 30, and poor fits for the Saints' new 3-4 defense. There's still a good chance each moves on.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the Saints will ask LB Jonathan Vilma and DE Will Smith to take pay-cuts. We doubt they ask nicely. The New Orleans Times-Picayune recently guessed Vilma would have to take a "drastic" pay cut, while Smith's fit in Rob Ryan's new 3-4 defense is unclear. It's possible both players will simply end up being released. A player in decline, Vilma may not even want to make the switch to a 3-4 scheme.