Eagles coach Chip Kelly is being cautious and playing the waiting on game on Mike Vick’s health.
Rikard Larma/Metro
Vick still not 100 percent at practice
The Eagles’ quarterback situation remained muddled Wednesday, despite reports that Mike Vick was definitely starting Sunday’s game.
While Vick was a full participant in practice for a second straight day, the quarterback still isn’t running at full speed.
“Mike got some team reps for the first time. He had done some seven on seven, but hadn’t been really involved in team,” coach Chip Kelly said. “The biggest test for him is how does he bounce back? Where is he from one day to the next day, and where he is at. I can be honest with you, I don’t think he ran at 100 percent. He wasn’t running full sprints out there [Tuesday] in practice, but he looks like he’s progressing.”
That doesn’t mean he can’t suit up and play Sunday, it just adds extra intrigue. Especially since Nick Foles (concussion) isn’t practicing at all, and rookie Matt Barkley is getting first-team reps.
All these factors have left coach Chip Kelly without much choice. He can’t officially name a starter yet, and he’s not sure when he will.
“I need to know as close as we can get to go, but I can’t force the health issue,” Kelly said. “It depends on if Michael’s ready. I don’t have a timetable on that.”
Barkley ready to roll
The odds-on favorite to start Sunday is Mike Vick. However, Matt Barkley is preparing as if he is the guy. He has to, with so much uncertainty at the position.
The rookie went 11-of-20 for 129 yards and three interceptions in his NFL debut last week. Of course, those numbers are misleading since he was forced into emergency action when Nick Foles went down.
“I know what I can do in this league. I learned from those throws, especially being in a clutch situation like that,” Barkley said. “It hurts and it’s really disappointing on those interceptions.”
As for Foles, it sounds very unlikely he’ll be cleared to play in time.
“He has to go through a set protocol of when he’s allowed back,” coach Chip Kelly said. “He said he feels like he’s doing better.”
