It's been 15 years since a real LB took the field for the Saints, but who's counting? QUOTE Vilma debuts tonight Linebacker returns after lingering knee injury By LARRY HOLDER - lholder@sunherald.com METAIRIE, La. -- What could be the biggest key for the success of the New Orleans Saints defense will make his first live game appearance tonight against the Houston Texans in the Louisiana Superdome. Middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma starts for the first time since being sidelined with a knee injury last October when he played for the New York Jets. Saints coach Sean Payton has been cautious with Vilma despite the linebacker's vigor to return to action sooner than what Payton and the trainers allowed him. The incubation period now ends for Vilma. "They told me to go after it," Vilma said. "I have a good deal with them. I told them I will honestly tell them how I feel, if I was really feeling it or hurting or anything. We don't want any setbacks. "That's the biggest thing. I want to be ready for the first game of the season. I'm really gauging it as well as the training staff and Sean Payton. He's really watching me as I'm going and gauging how I feel and I told him I feel good." A back injury to incumbent starting middle linebacker Mark Simoneau kept him away from the practice field this week and likely will keep him off the field against the Texans. It will mean an increase in snaps for Vilma and second-year defender Marvin Mitchell. Vilm ...
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