Jonathan Vilma

Believe it or not, the Eagles defense has been getting better. DeMeco Ryans deserves some of the credit. We give it to him in this week's Reading the Defense.

Dallas Cowboys star DeMarcus Ware took part in practice after missing the past three game with a strained quadriceps muscle. The menacing defensive end leads off Wednesday's injury roundup.

We didn't forget about the IDP fantasy players among us. Although news of Champ Bailey being out of action in Week 1 isn't going to make too many people happy.

The loss of linebacker Jonathan Vilma (knee) won't help the New Orleans Saints' defense rebound from a historically bad year, but the team expects the linebacker to return during the 2013 season.

The Pittsburgh Steelers assigned their injured reserve-designated for return tag to tight end Matt Spaeth. Find out what other players drew the "IR-recall" tag.

There was some hope Jonathan Vilma would be ready for the New Orleans Saints' opener against the Atlanta Falcons, but Ian Rapoport reports Saints fans might want to temper their expectations.

Will Smith is done for the New Orleans Saints this season after suffering a knee injury, forcing the team to adjust to playing without another key member of its defense.

Linebacker Jonathan Vilma has opted for arthroscopic knee surgery after seeking a second opinion, Ian Rapoport reported. Rob Ryan could use Vilma's experience and toughness on a unit battered by injuries.

New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham was an oversight on the "Top 100 Players of 2013," but his value isn't lost on general manager Mickey Loomis, who told reporters a contract extension has been discussed.

The NFC South represents one of the NFL's most intriguing divisions as we approach 2013. Dan Hanzus examines one big question facing all four teams, including Cam Newton's Carolina Panthers.

Sean Payton is back at Drew Brees' side, but is this a seven-win also-ran or a 12-win contender? Adam Schein says this is what makes the New Orleans Saints the most fascinating team in football.

The Dallas Cowboys are switching their defensive scheme under new coordinator Monte Kiffin. Will the change work in Big D? Marc Sessler looks at five teams that are revamping their defenses in 2013.

The New Orleans Saints need the pieces to transition over to defensive coordinator Rob Ryan's 3-4 scheme. There are plenty of places to start, though pass rushers always are a priority.

The Seattle Seahawks, with Percy Harvin, are loaded. The Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions seem primed for comeback seasons. Gregg Rosenthal breaks down how free agency has impacted the NFC.

Jonathan Vilma and Will Smith have agreed to rework their contracts with the New Orleans Saints, freeing some salary-cap space as free agency gets underway.

In his free agency primer for the NFC South, Elliot Harrison says the Atlanta Falcons must re-sign Brent Grimes ... or else the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could swoop in and poach the gifted cornerback.

New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton would like to see defensive end Will Smith, linebacker Jonathan Vilma and safety Roman Harper return. Payton hinted pay cuts will be necessary.

With their leadership back in place, the New Orleans Saints will look to rebound from a lost 2012 season. The first step is overhauling a historically futile defense, Chris Wesseling writes.

Gregg Rosenthal looks at possible salary-cap casualty candidates in the NFC, from Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kevin Kolb to Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha.

The New Orleans Saints have some changes to make with the defensive switch to a 3-4. Middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma could still have a role, according to coach Sean Payton.

The hiring of defensive coordinator Rob Ryan has earned positive marks from Saints players eager to turn around a unit that allowed more yardage than any team in NFL history in 2012.

Paul Tagliabue lifted the player suspensions connected to the New Orleans Saints bounty program, but he explained Tuesday he did that to help support NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.