Eagles QB Mike Vick Questionable Vs. Bucs
By Kevin McGuire
Will Mike Vick play or not? That continues to be the big question left unanswered heading in to this weekend's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After leaving Sunday's game against the New York Giants with a hamstring, Philadelphia Eagles starter Mike Vick is listed as questionable.
Vick was limited in practices all week, but head coach Chip Kelly has decided to hold off on making a call on his starting quarterback. It is likely Nick Foles will get the start against the Bucs, after replacing the injured Vick in the win over the Giants and going toe-to-toe with Vick in a quarterback competition during the preseason.
Foles is fully capable of running the Eagles offense, although he may not do all the things Kelly would prefer to keep in the game plan. The key for Kelly will be to maximize the production that can be achieved with Foles running the offense. Foles is a more accurate passer than Vick, so not having Vick is not quite a game-changer this weekend.
There is still a chance Vick plays of course. Vick was limited in practices on Wednesday and Thursday, but was listed as a full participant in practice on Friday, which could be a positive sign. Whether he is practicing at full speed is probably not likely, as he is still listed as questionable. Perhaps this could be a cautionary move, but it would be likely to see Foles leading the offense.
Ironically enough, Foles is also listed on the official injury report this week, although he is listed as probable. Foles has a groin injury, but he was also available for a full practice on Friday.
Whoever ends up starting at quarterback will hope to have offensive tackle Jason Peters protecting him on the offensive line. Peters was limited in practice all week with a finger injury, but is listed as probable this weekend.
A number of other players are listed as probable for this weekend's game. Linebacker Connor Barwin (knee), corner back Brandon Boykin (groin), safety Patrick Chung (shoulder), punter Donnie Jones (left foot), and running back Chris Polk (ankle) are al listed as probable.
The only other player on the Eagles roster listed as questionable this week is tight end James Casey. Casey has a groin injury that has kept him out of practice on Wednesday and limited on Thursday. He did participate in a full practice on Friday. If he is not available on Sunday, the Eagles could throw rookie Zach Ertz in to the starting line-up or they could move Emil Igqenagu.
Questionable
- TE James Casey (groin)
- QB Mike Vick (hamstring)
Probable
- LB Connor Barwin (knee)
- CB Brandon Boykin (groin)
- S Patrick Chung (shoulder)
- QB Nick Foles (groin)
- P Donnie Jones (left foot)
- T Jason Peters (finger)
- RB Chris Polk (ankle)
For more Eagles news and updates, visit Eagles Central.
Kevin McGuire is a Philadelphia area sports writer covering the Philadelphia Eagles and college football. McGuire is a member of the FWAA and National Football Foundation. Follow McGuire on Twitter @KevinOnCFB. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
