Another casual Friday is in the books here at the NovaCare Complex. Here’s what we learned …
Mike Vick missed practice for the third straight day as he deals with two broken ribs. Eagles coach Andy Reid still hasn’t ruled Vick out for Sunday’s game, but the quarterback has yet to throw a football and has never played after missing a Friday practice.
Vick is officially listed as questionable on the team’s injury report, with Reid saying he was monitoring his status on a day-to-day basis. Vick will meet with coaches and doctors again Saturday before a final decision is made.
“I know he wants to play,” said Reid, adding that if the game was today [Friday], Vick wouldn’t go.
YOUNG AND RESTLESS. With Vick likely out, the Eagles turn to backup Vince Young, who led the first-team offense at practice. Young said the tempo this week has been “pretty good,” and he is preparing as if he’s the starter.
“In my mind, definitely,” Young said about whether he’s the starter. “But you still got to check with Andy [Reid].”
Young said he’s been putting in extra hours in the film room, something he’s been doing all season. He also noted that the receivers were actually watching film with the quarterbacks this week. Overall, Young is ready to lead the Eagles to what could be a season-saving victory.
“It’s not about me. It’s all about going out there and playing the game, and always being ready,” Young said. “They brought me in to lead the guys and keep the same tempo that Mike Vick has, and things like that. Overall, I feel pretty good but again it’s not about me. I just want to go out and lead the guys to a victory.”
INJURY UPDATES. Tackle King Dunlap (concussion) and CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (ankle) are out for Sunday’s game, while DE Brandon Graham (knee), WR Jeremy Maclin (shoudler, hamstring), QB Mike Vick (ribs) are listed as questionable. Safety Nate Allen (concussion) and G Evan Mathis (toe) and are probable.
Graham told reporters that he actually hurt his knee two weeks ago against Chicago but stayed in the game. He said he feels like he can play Sunday, but it’s “up to Andy.”
TEBOW-MANIA. It seems like everyone has an opinion on Broncos QB Tim Tebow these days, especially after he led Denver to an improbable victory over the Jets Thursday night. Eagles receiver Riley Cooper was Tebow’s roommate when the two were teammates at Florida. Cooper said he’s not at all surprised by the hype surrounding Tebow.
“Everywhere he goes, that’s what he’s like. I knew it was coming, and I wish him nothing but the best,” Cooper said. “I hope he keeps wining games, for his sake. He’s a great player and he’s also a friend of mine. He’s a winner, he’s a winner. It might not be pretty, but he’s winning games for them.”
Cooper, who is slated to start this week with Maclin out, noted that he didn’t watch Tebow Thursday night because he doesn’t get NFL Network.
“I got the cheap cable,” Cooper joked.
CLEANING UP THE MESS.
As far as his own situation, Jackson said he’s just going to “play his part.” Remember, Jackson has come under fire all week after oversleeping and missing a special teams meeting. He later apologized to teammates, but also admitted that his contract situation — Jackson is earning just $600,000 this season and wants an extension — has been a lingering factor. Even so, he doesn’t feel as if he has anything to prove this week.
“Not necessarily, man. I said this year has been a little more difficult than previous years, but I’m just going to go out there and do what I need to do,” Jackson said. “Hopefully make a big play, get over top of their defense and win the game.”
Jackson added that he has put all that contract stuff is in the rear-view mirror.
“I found a place where my mind is clear … and I just want to do everything I can to finish out the season and do what I need to do to better this team,” Jackson said.
Not trying to start another controversy, but it’s interesting to note his choice of words there, “finish out the season.” With his contract set to expire, many have speculated that the Eagles might try to trade or franchise him after the season. Obviously, stay tuned to this story …
