Jonathan Vilma revealed on local New Orleans television this evening that he will be off the PUP list starting Tuesday, making him fully eligible to practice this week and play this Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

This according to a Larry Holder tweet:

#Saints' Jonathan Vilma said on WVUE he will be off PUP list Tuesday. "I'll be allowed to practice, I'll be allowed to play vs. Tampa Bay."

— Larry Holder (@LarryHolder) October 15, 2012

Vilma is eligible to play while he waits to appeal his suspension, which he said will most likely be next Tuesday, October 23rd, with a final decision being made a few days after that.

This is absolutely huge news! But initial excitement should be tempered. Being allowed to play is one thing, of course. Being game-ready and physically in shape is another. So just because Vilma is eligible to dress this Sunday, doesn't mean he actually will. My guess is that he won't. And is it really worth bringing him back for just one game, given the likely outcome of his appeal?

Still, having him line up with Curtis Lofton would be pretty sweet. How would that work? Does Lofton stay at MLB while Vilma moves to the outside? Or does Vilma get his old position back?