Jonathan Vilma Expects to Come Off PUP List, Play Sunday Against Buccaneers

Jonathan Vilma might suit up this season after all.

Vilma, who is currently appealing the season-long suspension he was given for his alleged involvement in the Saints’ bounty scandal, said in an interview with WVUE-TV that he will come off the physically unable to perform (PUP) list on Tuesday, and he expects to play Sunday against the Buccaneers.

Vilma was placed on the PUP list because of a knee injury, but according to the Saints linebacker, he’s ready to go.

“I’m feeling good, feeling good,” Vilma said. “I know that the media hasn’t seen much of me for a while, but I’ve actually been working out, working hard, training hard so I can get to this point to be able to give our team a chance to win in Tampa Bay.”

Vilma is supposed to be suspended for the entire season, but because he is appealing the ban, he is allowed to play until a decision is handed down. Vilma expects the appeal to be Tuesday, Oct. 23, and a decision could follow in the three or four days after, so there exists a possibility that Vilma suits up for just one game this season.

If he does play Sunday, expect Vilma to make it count.

Photo via Facebook/Jonathan Vilma