IS BUYING CROSS-COUNTRY SKIS
INDIANAPOLIS - Eagles coach Andy Reid left open the possibility last night that Michael Vick would play in the team's third exhibition game next week, but he would not guarantee it.
By all accounts, Vick did fine in practice last week despite missing 2 years of football after being charged and imprisoned in his dogfighting case. Physically, the former Falcons quarterback seemed to tolerate well a series of what Reid acknowledged were strenuous practices for the team on several very hot days.
But Vick is being eased into this at a moderate pace. Having enough of a grasp of the offense to command the huddle and call signals is one obvious question. Having a sufficient level of football conditioning is another.
Still, under the terms of Vick's reinstatement set by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, he gets only the final two exhibition games to prepare for the season. He was not permitted to dress for last night's 23-15 loss to the Colts and remained in Philadelphia. After the preseason, Vick will be allowed only to practice until Goodell makes his decision on full reinstatement, which could take as long as 6 weeks.
So, Thursday against Jacksonville at Lincoln Financial Field?
"He had a good week of work," Reid said. "He got a good workout in today. We'll see how he does next week. We're shooting for the third game. We'll see. We've just got to get a feel on him throughout the week." *
