PHILADELPHIA — Eagles quarterback Michael Vick missed a third consecutive day of practice Friday because of broken ribs, but coach Andy Reid did not rule him out of Sunday’s game against the Giants.
Vick broke two ribs during the Eagles’ 21-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals Sunday in Philadelphia and has not practiced since. He’s officially questionable.
Vick would not have played if the game had been Friday, Reid said.
“He’s feeling a little bit better,” Reid said. “I’m not going to tell you he’s feeling great, but he’s feeling a little bit better.”
The Giants (6-3) hold a surprising three-game lead over the Eagles (3-6) in the NFC East.
For the third straight day, veteran Vince Young ran practice at the NovaCare Complex. Reid said Vick has never played without practicing at least one day since the Eagles signed him in 2009. Vick has attended all the offensive meetings, but hasn’t thrown a football all week.
Reid said he plans to decide on a starter by Saturday.
“He’s done the brainwork, but I just want him resting that thing,” Reid said. “I’m not worried about him being in shape or anything else. Let’s just see if it calms down a little bit.”
Young won 30 of 47 starts with the Tennessee Titans before signing with the Eagles in July. So far, his only contribution to his new team has been labeling them the “Dream Team” at his initial press conference at training camp.
Young’s “Dream Team” is now clinging to life in the NFC, and it’s not even Thanksgiving yet. A loss would effectively end the Eagles’ already dim playoff hopes.
“He’s looked great,” said receiver Riley Cooper, who practiced with the starting offense all week in place of the injured Jeremy Maclin. “He looks more confident, and he has some swagger and confidence about him.”
Young threw an interception in his only pass attempt since joining Philadelphia, when Vick was knocked out of the game for one play in a 20-13 win over the Redskins last month.
He said it hasn’t been easy being a backup after spending most of the last five seasons starting for the Titans.
“It’s somewhat tough,” he said. “It can be tough if you’re not paying attention and you’re not focused. One thing about Andy is he won’t let you not pay attention. He’s always going to be asking you questions. That’s the good thing about this team and (these coaches).
“They’re always testing you.”
Young has started against the Giants twice and won both starts, 24-21 in 2006 at LP Field in Nashville, and 29-10 last year at what was then called New Meadowlands Stadium.
“Vince, he has a lot of confidence,” said Eagles Pro Bowl receiver DeSean Jackson, who is expected to play after being suspended by Reid last week for missing a team meeting.
“He was a starter in this league for years, and as long as he’s not forcing things, he’s just going out there and being himself, the sky’s the limit.”