Mike Vick Set To Start While Nick Foles Is Out For Eagles Vs Giants
By Kevin McGuire
Everything is on track for Michael Vick to return to the starting lineup for the Philadelphia Eagles this weekend as the New York Giants come to town. Second-year quarterback Nick Foles is out after not practicing all week due to a concussion, so Vick's return is quite timely for the Eagles.
It was against the Giants a few weeks back Vick had to leave early due to a hamstring while running out of bounds. Foles stepped in to lead the Eagles to a win against the Giants in the Meadowlands, but it was Foles who had to leave the last game. Foles was knocked out against the Dallas Cowboys last Sunday and was treated for a concussion. As a result, Foles missed out on a week of practice and rookie quarterback Matt Barkley had to play the fourth quarter for the Eagles.
Barkley was intercepted three times in the quarter, marking the third time Barkley had been picked off three times in a game dating back to his 2009 freshman season at USC. Vick was scheduled to run a 100-yard dash Friday before a judgment would be made on his status for Sunday, so being listed as probable is a good sign. Having Vick take the field would be much more of an advantage for the Eagles than going with Barkley at this point.
A hamstring injury is also holding out linebacker Jake Knott. Knott has been a back-up option all season so his loss is not much more than a ding on the depth chart at linebacker. The rest of the linebackers look to be in good form heading in to this weekend's division rivalry. But starting defensive end Cedric Thornton (knee) is listed as questionable, although he did take part in a full practice on Friday after being limited earlier tin the week. Safety Patrick Chung (shoulder) is once again listed as questionable as well. Earl Wolff has stepped up whenever Chung has been available.
The Eagles did list a number of other players besides Vick as probable for this weekend's game. On offense, running back Chris Polk is listed with a shoulder injury and offensive tackle Jason Peters is listed again with shoulder and finger injuries. Peters should be expected to play his position on a solid offensive line. Polk is listed third on the depth chart behind LeSean McCoy and Bryce Brown, so his potential absence probably would not amount to too much of a problem this weekend.
Corner back Bradley Fletcher (knee) is also listed as probable for this weekend's game, but he should be good to play Sunday. With the Giants expecting to lean heavily on the passing game though, Fletcher may need a rest at times. If that is the case, Brandon Boykin should be the first to step in and see some action. Boykin is listed second on the depth chart at each corner position, and he could even get a start if the Eagles want to be cautious with Fletcher.
Punter Donnie Jones has been listed as probable with a left foot injury for weeks now. This week is no different, but Jones has been available to punt the entire time.
Out
- QB Nick Foles (concussion)
- LB Jake Knott (hamstring)
Questionable
- S Patrick Chung (shoulder)
- DE Cedric Thornton (knee)
Probable
- CB Bradley Fletcher (knee)
- P Donnie Jones (left foot)
- T Jason Peters (shoulder, finger)
- RB Chris Polk (shoulder)
- QB Mike Vick (hamstring)
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.
