The NY Post is reporting that Jets’ lineback Jonathan Vilma, injured in Sunday’s Bengals’ game, could be out for the season.

In his daily column, Mark Cannizzaro is reporting that Vilma is weighing his options, possibly to include season-ending surgery on his injured knee.

In the event Vilma does not play on Sunday, and it appears doubtful, rookie linebacker David Harris will get his first start. Harris is the first-round pick from Michigan that the Jets traded up 16 slots to get. The former Michigan Wolverine is well-known for his ability to stop the run, something the Jets have not been able to do all season.

Vilma has played in all 55 games since being drafted with the first pick in the 2004 NFL draft. Harris had this to say about Vilma, via Mark Cannizzaro of the NY Post:

“Vilma is a great player,” Harris said. “Any time you lose a player like that it’s very hard to fill his shoes. He’s a great team leader. He’s very well respected. He’s been running the defense for four years now. It’s a big task for me to full his shoes. It’s been a dream of mine to start an NFL game and the opportunity has arisen, so I’ve got to step up to the plate.”

I’m sure it is a difficult decision to make for any player ~ surgery vs rehab to try and salvage the season. If the Jets were still in the playoff race, it would be even tougher. But with the season all but over, there is no reason to make a bad injury, worse. If Vilma can get the injury repaired and be completely rehabilitated by the start of training camp, that’s the way to go.

Eric Mangini, in typical NFL-head coach form, has been extremely vague about the injury as the doctors and trainers evaluate it.

Hopefully he won’t be as vague when it comes time for him to give his advice to Vilma.

David Harris is ready to play. It’s time to see if he can.

Jon Buzby is a nationally-syndicated columnist who can be reached through his website at www.jonbuzby.com.