Michael Vick Injury: Did Eagles QB Dodge Bullet with Contusion?

It is now being reported that Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick suffered a contusion on his right hand and not a fracture as had previously been reported. Instead of being guaranteed to miss three to four weeks, head coach Andy Reid is now listing his quarterback as day to day.

The fact that Vick did not suffer a fracture means he will likely be able to return to action much sooner than previously assumed. The Eagles and their quarterback dodged a huge bullet with this news because even though the injury is to his non-throwing hand, it would have been serious. Just taking snaps would have been difficult for Vick if he had suffered a fracture, and while it will still be painful, a contusion is much easier to deal with.

I wouldn't be surprised if the Eagles sit their quarterback for Sunday's home contest with the San Francisco 49ers. Though he hasn't yet been ruled out for that game, the team is sure to try and let the swelling go down on his hand, which means he likely won't practice much this week, if at all. Vick could suit up and try to get things going in pregame warm-ups, but after suffering a concussion and a hand injury on consecutive Sundays it's probably asking a bit much of him to trot out there again behind a shaky offensive line.

The Eagles and their quarterback are extremely lucky his hand isn't as bad as first feared. They are currently 1-2 after back-to-back disappointing losses to the Atlanta Falcons and New York Giants. Neither Atlanta nor New York looked particularly good in beating Philadelphia, which means the "Dream Team" isn't currently living up to expectations.

Reid and the Eagles need Vick to be healthy if they want to make a run at a playoff berth and, potentially, a spot in the Super Bowl. The fact that their quarterback's hand could heal more quickly than originally feared has to have everyone in Philadelphia breathing a sigh of relief.