Vick's readiness for Sunday in question
Eagles quarterback Michael Vick lies on the ground after being injured against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. (Nov. 13, 2011) Credit: Getty
When the Giants and Eagles faced each other in Week 3, Michael Vick was coming off a concussion and there was some question about whether he could play. While the Eagles were coy, the Giants insisted all week that Vick would show up. And he did.
The teams again are preparing to face each other, and the question of Vick's availability has been broached again. Andy Reid said Monday that the quarterback suffered two broken ribs early in Sunday's loss to the Cardinals but did not rule him out for Sunday night's game at MetLife Stadium.
And once again, neither have the Giants. "He is definitely one of their weapons and he makes their offense go," safety Kenny Phillips said. "For the most part, we will prepare like he is going to play, and if he doesn't, we're not mad at him."
Vick's replacement would be Vince Young, author of the "Dream Team" tag that has haunted the Eagles for much of this disappointing season. Not only are the Eagles 3-6 and possibly without their starting quarterback, but they suffered injuries to wide receiver Jeremy Maclin (shoulder), cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (ankle) and offensive lineman King Dunlap (concussion) Sunday. Reid said Rodgers-Cromartie will "struggle" to return this week.
The Eagles also are dealing with DeSean Jackson, the receiver who was benched Sunday for missing a special-teams meeting the previous day.
"I think everybody knows the contract situation," said Jackson, who is unhappily playing under his rookie contract for the rest of the season. "As a human being, there are things you have to go through in life, and I realize what it is. I'm just ready to continue and go forward. I'm not thinking about nothing else to happen. Whatever I did in the past, it's over and done. I'm just going to continue to handle my business like I need to do."
Jackson said he met with Reid to "clear the air."
"I just kind of explained to them the things that I've been going through," Jackson said. "Really, me not being myself, just kind of being hard for me to come to work and be happy just because of everything that happens. So I'll say I addressed it as a professional, as a man."
Reid said Jackson remains a starting receiver for the Eagles. Now it's just a matter of who gets him the football.
