Philadelphia Eagles Suffer Dog Days Without Michael Vick For Week 5

Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid, conceded today that the team will move forward in their preparation as if Kevin Kolb will start on Sunday for the injured Michael Vick. Reid went on to assure the media that Vick would continue to be the starting quarterback.

"Vick's stance atop the depth chart is not in doubt, though Kolb could give us something to talk about if he wins, say, two straight games and plays lights out. Based on Kolb's Week 4 performance off the bench, however, that's a major long shot to happen."

Vick did not participate in practice on Wednesday.   He continues to suffer from swelling in his chest due to a "torn rib cartilage injury," also called Costochondral Separation.  This type of separation happens when the cartilage is torn from the rib at the breast bone due to blunt trauma.  Vick suffered the injury during the game against the Washington Redskins, which they lost 17-12 last Sunday. 

In an appearance on the Bruce Smith radio show, Vick said, “it won’t be no more than one, two weeks hopefully. I’ve always been a quick healer.” 

Typical treatment for this type of injury includes a lot of rest, icing of the area, and an anti-inflammatory or other pain medicine to reduce inflammation.  Most rib injuries heal within three to 12 weeks without any permanent injury.

Vick replaced Kolb as the starting quarterback when the latter suffered a concussion in a Week 1 matchup against Green Bay.

The Philadelphia Eagles are 2-2 going into this week’s game at the San Francisco 49ers.