METAIRIE, La. (AP) — Jonathan Vilma is practicing again with the Saints following months of rehabilitation on his surgically repaired left knee and the suspended linebacker could play this weekend.
Vilma practiced on Wednesday for the first time in 2012. Interim head coach Aaron Kromer says the Saints are eager to get Vilma back on the field as soon as he’s ready, which could be this Sunday at Tampa Bay.
The linebacker is appealing his season-long suspension in connection with the league’s bounty investigation of New Orleans to Commissioner Roger Goodell. Vilma also is challenging his punishment in federal court.
Saints players gave Vilma a round of applause when practice began. Quarterback Drew Brees says seeing Vilma at practice “puts a smile on everybody’s face.”
