Saints middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma was held out of practice again Friday because of an injury to his left knee and is doubtful for Sunday’s game with the Houston Texans in the Superdome.
Coach Sean Payton said Vilma didn’t have a setback, but the knee, which Vilma injured last week against Chicago, didn’t come around as quickly as they had hoped.
If Vilma can’t play, fourth-year pro Jo-Lonn Dunbar will start in the middle.
INJURY REPORT: Cornerback Tracy Porter (calf) practiced on a limited basis Friday and is questionable; while safety Jonathan Amaya (shoulder), weakside linebacker Jonathan Casillas (knee/foot), strong safety Roman Harper (ankle) and defensive tackle Tom Johnson (calf) are probable.
Amaya was limited Friday, but Casillas, Harper and Johnson had full participation.
Wide receiver Marques Colston (shoulder) and kicker Garrett Hartley (hip) won’t play.
FOSTER IFFY: For the Texans, running back Arian Foster (hamstring) was limited in practice and will be a game-time decision, coach Gary Kubiak said Friday.
Foster will be put through a series of drills on the field in warmups before a decision is made.
Running back Derrick Ward (shoulder/ankle) has already been ruled out of the game.
FOURCADE VISITS HALL: Former Saints quarterback John Fourcade will greet fans at the Saints Hall of Fame Museum at Gate B of the Superdome’s Plaza level from 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Sunday.
The museum is open three hours before and for 45 minutes after each home game and is free to season-ticket holders.
