Reid: No Question Vick Will Be Ready For Opener


Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy ReidChances are that we have seen the last of Michael Vick this preseason. Andy Reid on Wednesday, though, indicated that his starting quarterback will undoubtedly be ready for the opener against Cleveland on September 9. Reid went so far as to say that if this were the regular season, Vick would likely be playing Friday.

“He’s still pretty sore so most likely he won’t practice and most likely won’t play, but we’ll take it day by day,” he said.

Reid added that he is leaning away from playing Vick in the preseason finale against the Jets as well.

The plan for Game 3 of the preseason against the Browns is to play the first team for a quarter. Nick Foles will start and could play as much as the entire first half.  King Dunlap is still running with the first team and will likely be his left tackle. Trent Edwards will clean up. Reid reiterated that there is a chance that Mike Kafka could play against the Jets.

Vick was wearing a Kevlar flak jacket against the Patriots. It’s possible he could have more than just bruised ribs without it.

“It was a pretty good shot he took,” said Reid. “It was in a soft spot and it was a good shot.”

Reid discussed the fine line that is walked when it comes to a quarterback like Vick, wanting your signal-caller to be aggressive and yet not expose himself to punishment unnecessarily. The coach seems to have no problem with his decision to try and make the throw downfield with a defender bearing down on him Monday.

“He was trying to make somebody miss, wheeled back around — he was  at about 15 yards — and had an available receiver down the field and try and make a play. To try and tell him he can’t make that throw, you’re not going to tell him that. You want everybody to do their job so that doesn’t happen right there,” said Reid.

In other injury news, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (shoulder) will practice Wednesday after leaving against the Patriots. Jason Babin (calf) continues to get better but is not ready to practice. Riley Cooper (collarbone), Casey Matthtews (ankle) and safety Tom Nelson (ankle) also will not practice.