Michael Vick Injury: How Long Will New Concussion Policy Keep Eagles QB Out?

The Philadelphia Eagles have one concern on their mind, and that is how long Michael Vick will be on the shelf after suffering a concussion in a 35-31 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.

The hit looked brutal live.

Vick was swung around right into the shoulder and helmet of his offensive lineman. His neck knocked back a bit but stayed stagnant for the most part, which may have been even worse.

He was seen spitting up blood walking to the sideline, but that was caused from biting his tongue and not anything internal.

Eagles fans have to thank the Football Gods that the concussion is being called “slight,” according to the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane.

Vick will need to pass extensive tests in order to play Week 3 when the Eagles host the New York Giants.

The NFL is no longer taking player safety, especially concussions, lightly. The players want to be taken care of and the NFL is ensuring that they are.

Unfortunately, it’s a double-edged sword because players will need to prove their health in order to get on the field, unlike in previous years.

Fortunately for Philly, we’ve seen players step on the field one week after suffering a head injury. If it is truly just a “slight” concussion, I would expect Vick to line up behind center.

The problem here is the long-term safety. Not only are we dealing with the most dynamic player in the NFL who was just awarded a $100 million contract, we’re dealing with a potential lingering issue.

If Vick takes another big hit to the head, he could be on the shelf for perhaps the entire season.

The good news is that this is apparently the first concussion Vick has suffered in his professional career, according to CBS’ Dave Richard. If it was his second, third or even fourth concussion, the Eagles would have to take drastic precautions. You never take a concussion lightly, but it will be more reassuring for the organization.

Still, it may be worthwhile for the Eagles to start Vince Young (if he is ready after sitting out two games with a hamstring injury) or Mike Kafka.

I’m a firm believer in VY and have always felt he could win a Super Bowl in this league. He isn’t the same passer Vick has become, but he can get the job done.

Kafka even looked solid in limited action last night. He wasn’t allowed to throw the ball down the field, but he put the Eagles in position to win. Philly may have pulled out the victory if Jeremy Maclin didn’t drop a pass that hit him right in the numbers on fourth down.

The New York Giants will head to Philly on a short week. If the Giants lose to the St. Louis Rams on Monday Night Football, Philly could certainly hold Vick out. The Giants defense has been depleted by injuries and could be dismantled by Young. Kafka would also give them a chance to win.

The tests will determine if Vick is ready to go Sunday.

Right now, preliminary signs look good for the most explosive and exciting player in the NFL. It’s difficult to see him missing more than one game, if he misses any at all.