It is far from a slam dunk that Saints TE Jimmy Graham will play Sunday when New Orleans visits the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Photo: Parker Waters).
Whether Jimmy Graham plays against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday will not be determined until gameday.
The New Orleans Saints will determine the availability of their star tight end prior to kickoff at Raymond James Stadium. Graham has been dealing with a high ankle sprain suffered before the New Orleans bye week when the Saints (1-4) notched their first win of the season by knocking off the San Diego Chargers.
The rest of the Saints active roster except for linebacker David Hawthorne (hamstring) are expected to play against the Bucs.
Meanwhile, Jonathan Vilma has not been activated from the PUP list yet. "Vilma looked really good all week," Saints interim head coach Aaron Kromer said Friday while not committing to when the veteran linebacker might be activated. ESPN's Ed Werder reports Vilma could play around 20 snaps on Sunday.
New Orleans has up to three weeks to decide whether to add Vilma, who has recoved from a knee injury, to their 53 man roster. He missed the first six weeks of the season on the PUP list and continues to appeal a season-long suspension from the NFL due to his alleged involvement on the bounty case. Former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue will hear the appeals of Vilma and three other players on October 30, so all four are allowed to play in the next two weeks of the league's regular season.
New Orleans Saints Offensive Line/Running Game Coach Aaron Kromer
Post-Practice Media Availability
Friday, October 19, 2012
Opening statement: “At practice today, David Hawthorne did not practice, so he’s out. Jimmy Graham was limited. He’s questionable. Scott Shanle was full. He’s probable. Jahri Evans was full. He’s probable. Jabari Greer was full today. He’s probable. Jonathan Casillas was full. He’s probable. Travaris Cadet was full. He’s probable. Turk McBride was full, probable for the game and Lance Moore was full today and is probable.
How did Jonathan Vilma look?
“Vilma looked really good all week. We have to get together as a staff, talk about it, make sure everybody’s on the same page and decide on him on gameday.”
Would you say he has a legitimate chance of playing on Sunday?
“He looked good. He looked physically good.”
New Orleans Saints Offensive Coordinator Pete Carmichael
Post-Practice Media Availability
Friday, October 19, 2012
If Jimmy Graham can’t play on Sunday, how much does that impact the offense?
“Obviously, he’s been one of those guys that we’ve counted on. We obviously have a plan if he’s not ready to go. This offense has always been built around a group of guys, not just one guy. Depending on his situation, it could be a factor. We’ll be ready.”
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