According to NFL.com National Insider Ian Rapoport, Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma has been activated.
The #Saints have officially moved LB Jonathan Vilma to the active roster after spending the first part of the year on IR/to return
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 2, 2013
Vilma has been practicing for about two weeks, and it was unclear whether or not he would be activated for Sunday’s game against the New York Jets.
Vilma had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee and was forced to miss the Saints’ first seven games.
”Fortunately, I was able to take that long, almost like an extended rehab period,” Vilma said, according to FOXSports.com. ”I wanted to try to rush and get back, but it was definitely for the better that now I’m able to come back and able to just go out there and run, run around and get back into football shape, get my angles down and my timing.
”I know I’m feeling good running around, and I think I look good on film. It’s really up to coach to decide when I can play.”
The 31-year old linebacker spent his first four seasons with the Jets where he was selected in the 1st round (12th overall) out of Miami.
Vilma was named the 2004 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year and has been selected to three Pro Bowls in his career – the last coming in 2010.