"Linebacker Jonathan Vilma, receiver Lance Moore and tight end John Gilmore missed practice for the Saints on Thursday, and safety Roman Harper returned to team drills on a limited basis. Vilma and Coach Sean Payton both said he is fine. The team was just being cautious by giving him a day to rest his lingering knee injury -- especially because they were scheduled to make the cross-country flight to San Francisco later in the evening.

Payton said Vilma will participate in today's walk-through practice at Candlestick Park.

"He's good," Payton said. "We're far enough into the schedule now. ... We'll get him some work tomorrow in the walk-throughs. He'll be fine.""