METAIRIE, La. -- Jonathan Vilma has returned to practice with the New Orleans Saints, the first step in a possible return to game action from the clubs injured reserve list. Vilmas status was posted on the NFLs transaction wire Monday evening. Now in his 10th season, the 31-year-old Vilma had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in August. Vilma was placed on injured reserve to start the regular season, but designated for return, allowing him to remain with New Orleans and possibly return after eight weeks without consuming a spot on the active roster. Each team gets one such designation. Vilma has had multiple knee surgeries and missed five games in each of the past two seasons. The Saints, who closed Mondays practice to media, have not said when they might activate Vilma. Charles Johnson Jersey . 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The former central defender calmly nodded it down and quietly went about celebrating a win with his staff. For a man who has had a lot on his shoulders this season, it was an appropriate moment.TORONTO -- Defensive help is on the way to Toronto FC, in the form of a new assistant coach. Manager Greg Vanney says he is adding a coach who was one of his mentors when it came to defending. "Obviously we have a lot of young defenders who are talented but they need to progress," Vanney said after practice Wednesday. "Hopefully hell be in Sunday or Monday of next week "Hell really really start to push on our defensive group. But hes also been around the game long enough that he understands both sides of the ball. But I really want us to shore up our defensive backline. And then I think we have the quality in attack where we can make a difference." He declined to identify the coach until everything was finalized. Vanney also had good news on the Jermain Defoe front, saying the injured striker could be back in town earlier than the original Sept. 20 date to continue his rehab from a groin injury. There is no word on when Defoe, who is currently in England, might return to action, however. The 31-year-old striker has missed nine games this season (eight through injury and one by suspension) but still leads Toronto in scoring with 11 goals. Toronto (9-11-6) hopes to end a three-game losing and goalless streak when it visits the Chicago Fire (5-7-14) on Saturday. Toronto has won just three of its last 15 games (3-7-5) and fell from fourth to seventh last weekend in the Eastern Conference standings. The top five make the playoffs. Going into play Wednesday, Toronto ranked 14th in the league in goals-against (1.62 per game). Injuries, suspension and laack of depth have cost the team in defence with centre back Steven Caldwell and fullbacks Justin Morrow and Mark Bloom missing 21 games between them.ddddddddddddThat has forced others to play out of position and put youngsters Doneil Henry and Nick Hagglund in the firing line. Torontos training room is beginning to empty -- the team has lost players to injury for a combined 82 games this season -- but still has work to do. Caldwell (quad) is progressing but still "very questionable" for the weekend, Vanney said. Midfielder Jonathan Osorio (leg muscle) was described as day to day. Defender-midfielder Bradley Orr (toe) did not take part in practice with the main squad Wednesday but is expected to be available this weekend. Vanney said the team is looking at shifting fullback Justin Morrow to centre back with Caldwell and Bradley Orr both nursing injuries. "Its definitely something that weve talked about," said Vanney. "Its not his natural position but obviously hes done it in the past a little bit. Its definitely something thats crossed our mind and we thought about it. I cant say weve made a decision either way but its definitely an option." In the part of practice open to reporters Wednesday, Bloom and Warren Creavalle played fullback in an attacking drill. As for adding a new player, Vanney said "if its the right fit were definitely looking. But nothings been determined yet." With the international transfer window closed, Toronto would have to acquire new talent via an MLS trade or look for a player out of contract. ' ' '