Vick passes concussion tests, may face Blue
Wednesday, September 21st 2011, 2:34 PM
PHILADELPHIA – Justin Tuck and Antrel Rolle just might get their wish.
The Giants stars said they hoped Michael Vick would be on the field Sunday when the Giants travel to Philadelphia and it’s looking like Eagles quarterback could be ready to give it a go.
Vick – who suffered a concussion against the Atlanta Falcons - went through walkthroughs with the team on Wednesday morning, and he is feeling no concussion-like symptoms, Philadelphia head athletic trainer Rick Burkholder said. Vick is feeling soreness in his jaw and soreness in his neck.
“We’ll take it day-by-day,” said coach Andy Reid.
Vick is midway through the NFL-mandated concussion process, but things seem to be looking good. He was given an MRI on Monday, Burkholder said, and the test came back negative. On Tuesday, he was also given an ImPACT test – a computer test designed to measure brain activity – and that test also produced solid results.
“It was very very close to what his baseline is,” Burkholder said.
Vick still needs to be evaluated by an independent neurologist later this week, Burkholder said, and the team will administer another ImPACT test. Vick is also undergoing a handful of other tests with Burkholder, and both Reid and the trainer are watching him closely him practices and meetings. According to Reid, Vick has had no trouble picking up the game plan in meetings so far.
If Vick passes all these concussion tests, he will play, Reid said. The coach said he will not worry about the risk of re-injury if Vick makes it through the league’s extensive procedures.
“With the rules the way they are right now … the process is the process,” Reid said. “If he makes it through that – and there are a whole lot of things and steps he has to go through – then he’s ok to play and he goes.”
Reid is prepping a backup plan, though. He said he is preparing all three of his quarterbacks – Vick, Vince Young and Mike Kafka – for Sunday’s game. Young was inactive in the first two games due to a hamstring injury. Kafka relieved Vick on Sunday, completing 7-of-9 passes for 72 yards, and most expect him to start if Vick cannot go.
“We’re pretty fortunate to have three guys we’re pretty comfortable with,” he said. “My message to all of them was get ready accordingly.”