A Jonathan Vilma Return? Victor Butler Update

November 11, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints outside linebacker Jonathan Vilma (51) against the Atlanta Falcons prior to kickoff of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The New Orleans Saints have some good news on the injury front, as linebacker Jonathan Vilma proclaimed via Twitter earlier.

"Sean says I’m allowed to practice Mon!! After Mon it’s the old cliché “one day at a time.”— Jonathan Vilma (@JonVilma51) October 17, 2013It could be a huge shot in the arm for the Saints, as Vilma has been bothered by a troublesome knee injury since the 2011 season.“He’s progressing,” Payton said last week. “We kind of look at it day-to-day, but that Monday coming back would be a potential day we would look at. I’m optimistic he’s going to be able to. … He’s been doing well with his progress.”Vilma, 31, will be eligible to return in Week 9, when the Saints play at the Jets. He was put on the injured reserve list, designated for return in Week 1. By doing this, the earliest Vilma is able to return is Week 9, but it will give the Saints & Rob Ryan to figure out how best to use Jonathan.David Hawthorne has been playing outstanding in Vilma’s absence, so you definitely wonder where exactly they will put him.As for Victor Butler, there hasn’t been much change. Mike Triplett of ESPN reported earlier:Outside linebacker Victor Butler also is eligible to resume practicing after spending the summer on the physically unable to perform list. That seems highly unlikely, though, since Butler tore an anterior cruciate knee ligament in June.The hopes for Butler was that he would be ready in the late part of the season, and/or ready for a postseason run. As per the new PUP rules, Butler has until Week 12 (vs. Week 6) to return to practice. After that point, he has 3 weeks to get ready for on field action. Best case scenario? He’s back Week 15 vs. the Panthers.Just remember this, Vilma & Butler would command a roster spot when they come back, so a big question to figure out when/if that times comes? Who gets cut?Like Who Dat Dish? Follow us on Facebook, or hit us up on Twitter!Follow me on Twitter for more NFL Analysis & News!  Sean says I’m allowed to practice Mon!! After Mon it’s the old cliché “one day at a time.”— Jonathan Vilma (@JonVilma51) October 17, 2013“He’s progressing,” Payton said last week. “We kind of look at it day-to-day, but that Monday coming back would be a potential day we would look at. I’m optimistic he’s going to be able to. … He’s been doing well with his progress.”Outside linebacker Victor Butler also is eligible to resume practicing after spending the summer on the physically unable to perform list. That seems highly unlikely, though, since Butler tore an anterior cruciate knee ligament in June."