The New Orleans Times-Picayune considers it "highly likely" LB Jonathan Vilma will have to take a "drastic" pay cut to remain with the Saints.

The NFL announced that former commissioner Paul Tagliabue has overturned the suspensions of Jonathan Vilma, Will Smith, Scott Fujita, and free agent Anthony Hargrove in the Saints' bounty case. NFL spokesman Greg Aiello released a statement saying that Tagliabue affirms the findings of commissioner Roger Goodell that the players "engaged in conduct detrimental," but opted to "vacate all player discipline" anyway. "My affirmation of Commissioner Goodell's findings could certainly justify the issuance of fines," Tagliabue is quoted as saying. "However, this entire case has been contaminated by the coaches and others in the Saints' organization." Tagliabue's ruling essentially determined that Goodell correct if a bit overzealous in his discipline. This should put an end to the drawn-out bounty coverage.

Saints LB Jonathan Vilma had no tackles and one quarterback hit in his 2012 debut Sunday.

Saints LB Jonathan Vilma (knee surgery) is active for Sunday's game against the Bucs. Vilma officially came off the PUP list on Saturday. He's expected to start in place of the injured David Hawthorne (hamstring) at weak-side linebacker and play between 20-30 snaps. Curtis Lofton is entrenched as New Orleans' middle linebacker.

Saints LB Jonathan Vilma is expected to play 20-30 snaps in his 2012 debut Sunday against the Buccaneers. The Saints are missing WLB David Hawthorne, so that figures to be where Vilma will play. Curtis Lofton is entrenched at middle linebacker. Vilma looked to be on his last legs a year ago and underwent a series of knee surgeries this offseason. We'll find out what he has left in the tank on Sunday.

Saints LB Jonathan Vilma (knee surgery) expects to come off the PUP list Tuesday and make his 2012 debut Sunday against the Bucs. You may recall Vilma's year-long suspension was recently upheld by Commissioner Roger Goodell, but Vilma has filed yet another appeal, and it appears he'll be able to play through it. Vilma had a sub-par 2011, but his return should boost the Saints' No. 31 run defense. With Curtis Lofton entrenched at middle linebacker, it's unclear where Vilma may play.

In its latest ruling in the Saints' bounty scandal, the NFL has upheld Jonathan Vilma's year-long suspension. DE Will Smith's four-game ban has also been upheld, though both players will get credit for "time served" so to speak. Vilma will collect game checks for the six weeks he spends on the PUP list. Scott Fujita's suspension has reduced from three games to one, while free agent DT Anthony Hargrove will only have to serve a two-game ban if/when he's signed. Naturally, the NFLPA has vowed to "pursue all options to protect our players' rights with vigilance," so we're still not near the end of this seven-month saga.

Profootballtalk reports the NFL has re-issued the Saints' bounty discipline, including suspensions for Jonathan Vilma, Will Smith, Scott Fujita and free agent Anthony Hargrove. The NFL will issue an explanation soon, clarifying the discipline. Asked if the suspensions would be the same as those original handed down, the league tells PFT, "It's not that simple." The players will likely take this back to the courtroom, which means there will be no resolution anytime soon.

Saints placed Jonathan Vilma (knee) on the reserve/PUP list. Vilma had his suspension rescinded on Friday, but he is still working his way back from multiple knee surgeries and will be forced to miss at least the next five weeks of the season. Curtis Lofton is the team's starting middle linebacker.

Saints placed Jonathan Vilma and Barrett Ruud on the Roster Exempt list. Vilma is working his way back from multiple knee surgeries and remains without a timetable for returning. The Saints added DE Will Smith to the active roster in a corresponding move.