Vick, Eagles Deny Concussion Rift
Eagles coach Andy Reid hotly denied an ESPN report that concussed quarterback Michael Vick "thinks he's a victim of politics" amid repeated failures to pass baseline testing that would allow Vick to return to the field.
Vick, Eagles Deny Concussion Rift
Les Bowen, Daily News Staff Writer
Eagles coach Andy Reid hotly denied an ESPN report that concussed quarterback Michael Vick "thinks he's a victim of politics" amid repeated failures to pass baseline testing that would allow Vick to return to the field.
Reid said he has spoken with Vick and there is no disagreement over the handling of his treatment. The Eagles have started rookie Nick Foles in the two games since Vick went down, and at 3-8, it's plausible that they might want to stick with Foles.
Eagles head athletic trainer Rick Burkholder said the imPACT test Vick is struggling to pass is graded by league concussion experts in Pittsburgh, not by the Eagles. "There's no conspiracy," Burkholder said.
Vick later released a statement through a spokesman:
"I want to thank my fans for the thousands of well-wishes. I also appreciate the support of the entire Eagles organization. I feel strong and healthy. As a professional athlete, I want to play in every game, but the NFL has a specific protocol to protect players. My focus is to complete this process successfully, so I can rejoin my team on the field."
Burkholder said Vick has reached a plateau in his recovery. He can run without symptoms, but complicated eye-tracking triggers balance problems and fatigue. Eye-tracking is part of the test Vick must pass. Burkholder said the team has been approaching this as something that can be rehabbed, and he hopes Vick can pass the imPACT test Monday.
Burkholder said running back LeSean McCoy is in the second of the five recovery phases, able to undertake light exercise. "His symptoms are down to almost nothing," Burkholder said. "His major complaint is fatigue."
Burkholder said that unlike Vick, McCoy has passed the imPACT test, but can't be cleared while he's still experiencing symptoms.
Obviously, Vick and McCoy will not play Sunday at Dallas.
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The Eagles elevated their 2012 sixth-round WR, Marvin McNutt, to the active roster. They still have one open space as they enter the weekend.
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Center Dallas Reynolds (ankle) was a full practice participant. Though Reynolds is listed as questionable for Sunday, one would have to think he is going to play. That would move Evan Mathis back to left guard.
Still in Mississippi after a death in the family was defensive tackle Fletcher Cox. Andy Reid said Cox will join the team in Dallas. He also is listed as questionable, with a tailbone bruise, but is expected to play.
its all the fat mans fault. seriously, he hired a felon and didnt give him a drug test. wal mart, who pays min wage, tests all applicants. any questions?
— ai720jrzy- Vick runs the team, Reid is very quick to pacify Vick with "He is our QB". Vick has the power to influence many team members, Reid relinquished his leadership role when he elevated Vick. That is how Vick kills coaches.— Kioto
- evidently you have not watched griffin of washington who is almost completing 70% of his passes with 3-4 interceptions after 11 games there is not a white qb rookie(or most veterans)who can put out that production not marino,elway, aikman,montana, manning,young, etc..if cunningham had a real running back in the backfield with him instead of leading the eagles in rushing himself with a pathetic o-line eagles would have won a SB in the 80's or early 90's— only 9
- Next weapon in the Vick the victim arsenal is the race card.— 4in5out7gone
- I suspect if the Eagles were 7-4 right now we wouldn't be seeing Foles play three games in a row. That's okay though, because this season is basically over and it's time to turn the page on Vick.— p-diddy
