Philadelphia Eagles: Why Michael Vick's Preseason Injuries Are so Detrimental

The 2012 NFL preseason is approaching its third week, and already Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick is under the thickest of microscopes.

In the Eagles' first two preseason games, the elusive Vick has already banged his thumb on his center's helmet and has taken a serious shot to the ribs by New England Patriots' linebacker Jermaine Cunningham.

Both injuries looked serious, and the city of brotherly love had to be fearful after seeing their franchise quarterback hit the deck for the second week in a row. Vick missed practice on Wednesday, and according to head coach Andy Reid, it's unlikely he'll play at all for the remainder of the preseason.

If this is true, Vick could limp into the regular season (no pun intended) rusty and without the proper reps to help lead the Eagles to success in the early weeks, something that will cost them dearly.

According to ESPN.com's NFL Nation Blog, Philadelphia has the seventh-most difficult schedule in the league.

In the first six weeks of the season, the Eagles have to play the Baltimore Ravens, the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Detroit Lions and the defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants. What's even more challenging for the Eagles is the fact that eight of their 16 games are against teams that made the playoffs last year.

In order for Philadelphia to be successful, Vick has to stay healthy for the entire season.

In the NFC East, a division that is loaded with talented quarterbacks, it will be difficult for the Eagles to make the postseason if Vick is forced to miss significant time.

Vick's style of quarterback is very similar to Brett Favre's in that both guys play dangerously and both can make or break a game with one dazzling play or one questionable decision. While Favre was known for making risky throws, Vick is known for running in a manner that increases his chances of getting injured.

Everybody knows that the perilous way in which he plays the quarterback position is hazardous to his health and to his team, but it is the reason he is so great.

Unfortunately for Philadelphia, Vick doesn't have the most impressive track record when it comes to staying healthy. Only once in his career has he played a full 16-game season, and he hasn't played more than 13 games in a single season since joining the Eagles.

His dangerous style of play can be a liability, but in order for the Eagles to win, Vick must play like he has the last two seasons.

Only for Philadelphia's sake, let's hope he can play that way for 16 games.