After taking a hit to the midsection from Kyle Love that Philly fans surely hated (see what I did there?), Eagles quarterback Mike Vick is, surprisingly, feeling fine. (And, yes, it was Jermaine Cunningham who hit Vick. But since there’s no easy word play based on Cunningham’s name, I’ll leave the mistake in there.)
Per a source with knowledge of the situation, Vick has no concerns about his ability to suit up and play on Week One against the Browns. He most likely won’t be playing again in the preseason.
X-rays were negative, as the team announced last night. On Tuesday, separate tests will be conducted to check the rib cartilage.
Vick is no stranger to the two injuries he has suffered in a pair of 2012 preseason games. He banged his hand on a helmet last season, and he has had multiple rib injuries.
While some would say it’s a byproduct of the way Vick plays the position, his most recent two scares more fairly fall at the feet of the offensive line. Against the Steelers, center Jason Kelce was pushed back too far, putting his helmet in the path of Vick’s follow-through. Against the Patriots, all hell broke loose, giving Vick no chance.
That said, there’s still a way for Vick to protect himself in that situation: Hit the deck.
Though Jim Everett was ridiculed for taking dives, Peyton Manning is celebrated for having the presence of mind to know when to go down. No one will question Vick’s toughness if he starts bailing out.
The broader question is whether he’s wired to even think that way. By all appearances, he isn’t.