PHILADELPHIA — Michael Vick has needed four medical tests through two preseason games and has completed only four passes. PHILADELPHIA — Michael Vick has needed four medical tests through two preseason games and has completed only four passes. ADVERTISING That
PHILADELPHIA — Michael Vick has needed four medical tests through two preseason games and has completed only four passes.
That is an ominous sign for the Philadelphia Eagles.
The three-time Pro Bowl quarterback left Monday night’s win at New England after injuring his ribs on his sixth play. He lasted just six plays against Pittsburgh before being forced out by an injured left thumb.
X-rays on Vick’s ribs at the stadium were negative, and an MRI and CT scan on Tuesday revealed he has no broken bones or fractured cartilage. Vick has a contusion of his ribs and of the soft tissue surrounding it. He also needed X-rays on his thumb, and those tests were also negative.
It is likely Vick won’t take another snap until the Eagles open the regular season at Cleveland on Sept. 9.
“I’m just going to play it by ear,” coach Andy Reid said after the victory over the Patriots. “I’m not going to say anything about where we’re at with that right now.”
Considering Vick has been injury prone — he missed three games because of rib injuries in each of the past two seasons — it seems risky to play him in the last two preseason games. The Eagles visit the Browns this Friday and host the New York Jets on Aug. 30.
Peterson tells Vikes
their no-preseason
plan is OK
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings have a better idea about how to finish preparing Adrian Peterson and his surgically repaired left knee for the season.
The plan, simply, is more practice.
Coach Leslie Frazier announced Tuesday his change of mind about handing the ball to his recovering star running back in a preseason game.
Frazier originally said he wanted Peterson to experience the full contact of such a setting before the real season begins, but he has backed off.
Peterson actually agreed this time.
“My goals are still the game,” Peterson said. “I look forward to being back the first week” of the regular season.
That Peterson, a fierce, relentless competitor who has lobbied for more playing time seemingly since the day he was drafted, was satisfied with the decision was as sure a sign as any the Vikings are making a wise move.
Coughlin says ‘chance’
DT Rogers might play
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Despite developing a blood clot in his left leg a little more than a week ago, there is a chance New York Giants defensive tackle Shaun Rogers might play this season.
Giants coach Tom Coughlin said Tuesday that the 12-year veteran got a second opinion about his injury, and the team has “a ray of hope” that Rogers will be able to get back on the field.
Rogers reported swelling in his leg two days after the Giants played their preseason opener against Jacksonville on Aug. 12. Tests revealed a blood clot, and Coughlin said Rogers wouldn’t play this season because he would have to take blood-thinning medication.
Coughlin said Rogers is still taking medication, but the second doctor thought he could play.
“I’m not going to be able to give you all the medical stuff. He is on his medication, there’s a chance that he could come back and play, is what we’ve been told,” Coughlin said. “We’re just going to hang in there as long as we can. See if they can determine where he is and how fast he would be able to play and all that stuff.”
RB clinton Portis
to formally retire
ASHBURN, Va. — Clinton Portis is announcing his retirement, nearly two years after he played his last NFL game.
The Washington Redskins said Tuesday that Portis and owner Dan Snyder will hold a retirement news conference Thursday.
Portis played two seasons with the Denver Broncos and then seven with the Redskins. He is most remembered for the colorful array of characters he created each week during the team’s drive to the playoffs in 2005. His 1,516 yards rushing that season set a franchise record.
The Redskins cut Portis after a torn groin muscle ruined his 2010 season, unwilling to pay for another year of his expensive contract.
He was unable to find another team and ends his career 77 yards shy of 10,000, No. 27 on the NFL’s all-time list.
Wilson to start for
Seattle vs. Kansas City
RENTON, Wash. — After two dynamic second-half performances, rookie Russell Wilson is going to get his opportunity with the Seattle Seahawks’ starting offense.
And by starting Wilson, finding a winner in one of the last remaining quarterback competitions in the NFL will drag on another week closer to the start of the regular season.
Seattle coach Pete Carroll, who announced on Tuesday that Wilson will start against Kansas City on Friday, doesn’t care what the conventional beliefs are. Carroll said the decision on his starting quarterback could be made as late as the week of the regular-season opener.
