Michael Vick Injury: Broken Right Hand Gives Eagles Excuse to Rest Vick

If you're forced to get some rest because your Internet connection is down, then that is forced self-preservation. That should be the way the Eagles approach the latest Mike Vick injury.

Vick, already reeling from a concussion suffered in his homecoming game at the Atlanta Falcons in Week 2, suffered a broken right hand in Week 3. Vick had to leave a second straight big game prematurely when he was hurt in the third quarter. Mike Kafka came in for the Eagles and promptly threw an interception on his first play.

Kafka is very inexperienced and is a completely different type of player than Vick. The Eagles brought Vince Young into the fold because he gives the Eagles a similar style player as their superstar under center, but Young is still out with a hamstring injury.

It would be a horrible idea to play Vick with the broken right hand against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 4. The Eagles are under pressure to perform, as they carry the self-proclaimed "Dream-Team" moniker. Right now, they sit at a disappointing 1-2, with the 49ers next in Week 4, the 3-0 Buffalo Bills in Week 5 and another division game against the Washington Redskins in Week 6.

If I'm Andy Reid, I sit him for Weeks 4 and 5 at least, and possibly Week 6. The Eagles have the bye in Week 7, and Vick could then return in Week 8 to play the Dallas Cowboys. The Eagles have to think long-term with Vick.

They also have to honest with themselves. Speed and elusiveness are what makes Vick special. Making him play like Tom Brady is taking the gift away from him that warranted the huge contract. They should rest him and then let him be Mike Vick.