Tampa, FL (Sports Network) - New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma is active for Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Saints activated Vilma from the physically unable to perform list on Saturday.
Vilma, who was the central figure of the NFL's bounty scandal, was rehabbing a knee injury that sidelined him for five games last season and eventually required three operations in an eight-month span.
He was put on the PUP list at the start of the second week of the NFL season in September, only after an arbitration appeals panel overturned the first suspension issued by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell in May.
Vilma was again suspended for the season by Goodell when he re-issued penalties for the scandal earlier this month, but quickly appealed and is eligible to play until his hearing. The nine-year veteran said earlier in the week he planned to play Sunday after being cleared to practice.
Former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue will hear the next appeal on Oct. 30.
