Jonathan Vilma says he'll start practicing Monday

New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma appears to be one step closer to playing for the Saints again as he said via Twitter on Thursday that he will be allowed to practice with the team starting Monday.

Vilma said via Twitter, "Sean says I'm allowed to practice Mon!! After Mon it's the cliché "one day at a time."

Saints coach Sean Payton said last week he was optimistic Vilma could return to the practice field Monday for the first time since having another knee surgery during training camp.

Vilma remains on injured reserve/designated to return, but the Saints defender became eligible to practice with the team after Week 6. The Saints aren't practicing this week because of the bye week, so Vilma's first chance at hitting the practice field would be Monday.

Vilma would also be eligible to come off injured reserve and play in games in Week 9 at the New York Jets.


(nola.com)