Joe Vitt will immediately rejoin the New Orleans Saints following their game against the Buccaneers.

Vitt served a six-game suspension for his alleged part in the Saints' bounty program.

Vitt will resume duties as interim head coach, replacing interim-interim head coach Aaron Kromer. Kromer will return to his role as offensive line coach and run-game coordinator.

The NFL players union is considering a challenge of Paul Tagliabue replacing Roger Goodell as the appeals officer in the bounty case involving the New Orleans Saints.

The players association has concerns about "ethical and legal issues," a person familiar with the matter told the Associated Press on Sunday. 

Tagliabue works for the law firm that is defending the league in U.S. District Court in Louisiana in the bounties case. 

The San Diego Chargers are under investigation by the NFL for using a banned illegal Stickum-type substance in Monday's game against the Broncos.

The NFL banned the substance in 1981.

Former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue has been appointed by Roger Goodell as the hearing officer for appeals of the four players suspended for their part in the alleged bounty program of the Saints.

Tagliabue was commissioner from 1989 until 2006.

Tagliabue will conduct hearings for

Scott Fujita, Anthony Hargrove, Will Smith, and Jonathan Vilma on Oct. 30.

Aquib Talib has been suspended four games without pay for taking Adderall without a prescription.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be without Talib beginning on Sunday against the Chiefs.

Talib is one of the Buccaneers best defensive players, starring at safety.

"I have spoken with Aqib, and he knows that he made a poor decision that let our team down," Bucs first-year coach Greg Schiano said. "Certainly, other players will have the opportunity to step up while he serves this suspension."

Talib will lose $435,882.35 in compensation.

The four players who have been suspended by the NFL have filed an appeal asking for Roger Goodell to be recused from the case due to his inability to be impartial, according to sources.

Jonathan Vilma, Will Smith, Scott Fujita and Anthony Hargrove requested the recusal on the basis of bias and partiality, the sources said.

All four players are eligible to play or at least get paid until the NFL rules on their latest appeals. 

Drew Brees requested and received permission for Sean Payton, Mickey Loomis and Joe Vitt to attend Sunday's game in which he can break Johnny Unitas' record for most consecutive games with a touchdown pass.

Payton, Loomis and Vitt are currently suspended for their role in the New Orleans' Saint alleged bounty program.