Vilma suspended for 2012 season: The NFL announced multiple suspensions for two Saints defenders for their roles in the team's pay-for-performance/bounty program: Defensive end Will Smith has been suspended for four games and linebacker Jonathan Vilma has been suspended for the season. Two former Saints defenders -- Anthony Hargrove and Scott Fujita -- have also been suspended. (Updated 05/02/2012)
Injury Report
Suspension - Eligible to return for 2013 season (Updated - 5/2/12)
Fantasy Analysis
The team was likely anticipating such a move with Vilma, signing linebackers Curtis Lofton, David Hawthorne and Chris Chamberlain this offseason. We expect Lofton to be the best replacement for the Saints and for Fantasy owners. No one in a seasonal league should draft Vilma since he won't play. (Updated 05/02/2012).
Knee injuries limited Jonathan Vilma to 11 games last season, but his role in the Saints' bounty program will limit him to zero games in 2012. Vilma was suspended for the season by the NFL for his role as a leader in the bounty scandal. For a guy with 100-total-tackle potential and a bounce-back year expected, this is a disappointment. Curtis Lofton is the likely replacement for Vilma in the Saints defense. Vilma won't help your Fantasy team at all in 2012.
(Updated 5/2/12)
