IS STOCKPILING DEFENSEMEN
The talk of today's practice was Brandon Gibson's two one-handed catches. So much so that the normally-guarded Michael Vick even agreed to talk about the snags after a near two-hour session.
He even answered a few questions about his return to practice. Vick was on the exempt list last week and couldn't practice as he served the first week of his suspension. But he was activated on Tuesday and even though he won't play Sunday against the Saints -- because of the two-game suspension -- Vick said he's getting closer to his old on-the-field self.
"It feels good to be out there, getting my legs back under me, keeping my mind fresh in football in this offense," Vick said. "I'm just happy. I'm football player so this is a great feeling for me."
Vick is slated to be reinstated for Game 3 against the Chiefs. He said his conditioning has improved, but he's not quite there yet.
"Being that I was out for two years, it's going to be hard to get back," Vick said. "Where I feel now physically, I think my body has done a good job of responding to the conditioning and the beating I put on it the last three or four weeks."
Vick has been splitting scout team repetitions with Jeff Garcia as Kevin Kolb takes the first string snaps. Donovan McNabb was out of practice for the second straight day. Vick threw both passes to Gibson that aren't always meant to be caught by a scout team receiver. The purpose is to prepare the first team defense and sometimes that means tossing a few underthrown passes.
Gibson's first catch was downright amazing. He split two defensive backs and, while running, looked like he was going to fall on his back trying to make an approximately 30-yard catch. Somehow, keeping his balance, the rookie reached back with one hand and brought the football to his chest. He made the second catch while running an out pattern to the sideline. Vick threw the pass slightly behind Gibson, but he reached and pulled the football to his helmet for another one-handed reception.
"Never seen that," Vick said.
"He just made an exceptional play," Vick added. "The quarterbacks do try to keep the ball away from the defense as much as possible, but it's kind of hard."
Gibson wasn't activated last week but there's a good chance those catches might put him in a jersey on Sunday. Hank Baskett was cut on Tuesday, opening up a spot. Reggie Brown, who voiced his displeasure over his situation earlier today, could also be activated.
"People make phenomenal catches every day in practice," Gibson said. "You just got to continue on about your business and act like nothing happened."
Also, LB Joe Mays (shoulder) and safety Quintin Demps (hamstring) missed practice for the second straight day. DE Victor Abiamiri left practice early with a groin injury.
