Saints LB Jonathan Vilma Done For Season With Knee Injury, Has He Played His Last Snap?
The New Orleans Saints placed veteran linebacker Jonathan Vilma on injured reserve today, ending his 2013 season.
Vilma has dealt with knee injuries the last several seasons, and began this year on the IR-designation to return list. He returned Sunday in a loss to the Jets, playing only 12 snaps. He made one tackle.
Vilma, 31, is in the final year of his contract with the Saints. With recent knee issues for Vilma, two questions must be posed. Has he played his last snap for New Orleans? Has he played his last snap in the NFL?
If he has, he can certainly hang his head up high. With 3 pro bowls, a Super Bowl championship, and a Saints team captain recognition for 4 years, Vilma's career has been a success.
In 125 games in his career with the Jets and Saints, Vilma started 121 of them, making 871 tackles, 12 interceptions, 11 fumble recoveries, 11 forced fumbles, and 10.5 sacks, all while displaying a high football IQ.
Having noted that, it's still a tough blow for Vilma, who envisioned himself being an integral part of Rob Ryan's new 3-4 defense in New Orleans.