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Vilma's Season in Doubt

Mysterious knee injury initially denied by New York's defensive leader

By Jesse Andrews,  Newser User

Posted Oct 24, 2007 9:15 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Jets linebacker Jonathan Vilma may be out for the season with a knee injury, reports the New York Daily News; the extent and source of the injury are still shrouded in mystery. The signal-caller of the defense was uncharacteristically removed from several plays in New York's loss to Cincinnati over the weekend.

Coach Eric Mangini said an injury affected Vilma's play; however, the fourth-year veteran contradicted him on a local radio show, calling his removal a "coach's decision." Mangini described Vilma's mentality: "That’s toughness. I appreciate that. Sometimes, you have to look at it and say, ‘Is is counterproductive?’”

Baltimore Ravens' Todd Heap (86) drives the ball for a first down as New York Jets linebacker Jonathan Vilma (51) and cornerback Darrelle Revis tackle him during the second quarter of a football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2007 in Baltimore.(AP Photo/Gail Burton)
Baltimore Ravens' Todd Heap (86) drives the ball for a first down as New York Jets linebacker Jonathan Vilma (51) and cornerback Darrelle Revis tackle him during the second quarter of a football game...   (Associated Press)
New York Jets nose tackle DeWayne Robertson, left, runs onto the field with teammates, linebacker Jonathan Vilma, center, and linebacker Eric Barton before their football game against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Sept. 16, 2007 in Baltimore. Ravens head coach Brian Billick accused the Jets defensive line of illegally simulating the...
New York Jets nose tackle DeWayne Robertson, left, runs onto the field with teammates, linebacker Jonathan Vilma, center, and linebacker Eric Barton before their football game against the Baltimore Ravens...   (Associated Press)
New York Jets head coach Eric Mangini watches from the sidelines in the second half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2007, in Cincinnati. Cincinnati won 38-31. (AP Photo/Al Behrman)
New York Jets head coach Eric Mangini watches from the sidelines in the second half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2007, in Cincinnati. Cincinnati won 38-31....   (Associated Press)
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Vilma Injured. Maybe. Probably. Sort of.
New York Times

Vilma not happy after he's taken out of game
Newsday

 
NFL • football • Cincinnati Bengals • New York Jets • Eric Mangini • Jonathan Vilma

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