PHILADELPHIA — Bad news, Giants.
Eagles quarterback Michael Vick was cleared to practice in pads yesterday by a third-party neurologist and appears full-go for the NFC East showdown Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field.
Vick didn’t speak to the media, but by all accounts Vick showed no post-concussion symptoms and looked sharp during yesterday’s workout.
Asked after the practice if he expected Vick to play Sunday, running back LeSean McCoy said: “I’d imagine so after how good he looked out there.”
Vick suffered a concussion in the third quarter Sunday in Atlanta when a Falcons teammate threw him into the shoulder of Eagles offensive lineman Todd Herremans. But Vick and team medical officials have remained convinced all week that it was relatively minor and shouldn’t prevent a quick return to the field, and the independent neurologist apparently agreed.
Vick needed approval from the outside physician to be able to practice yesterday, according to the NFL’s new concussion protocol. He did not practice at all Wednesday.
Just to be cautious, however, the Eagles also are expected to refit Vick’s helmet with extra padding, including the product Kevlar used in bulletproof vests, a team source confirmed.
The only thing that could get in the way of Vick returning to the lineup is if he wakes up today or tomorrow suddenly showing renewed symptoms, but the club source said they don’t expect that to happen.
The likely prospect of Vick being back under center this weekend against the struggling Giants raised the spirits of his teammates, who didn’t appear all that excited — despite their comments — at the possibility of third-teamer Mike Kafka getting the start instead.
“It’ll be a big boost emotionally to have him out there, if that’s what happens,” McCoy said. “We would be fine with any of our three guys [Vick’s primary backup is Vince Young], but you always like to have your No. 1 in there.”
Overhauling Vick’s helmet won’t be the only adjustment the Eagles make to keep their franchise passer upright and clear-headed.
Offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg said yesterday the team is making several unspecified adjustments to limit all the big hits Vick seems to take — especially, as he did Sunday, after releasing the ball.
“I don’t want to get into details, but I want to see Mike keep himself clean and minimize [the hits he takes],” Mornhinweg said. “Some of it is his style of play, and certainly you don’t want to take that style of play away from him, but I do want to minimize the hits. There are several things we can do there.”
The Eagles (1-1) also need Vick to cut down on the uncharacteristic turnovers. He already has lost three fumbles combined in the Birds’ first two games, matching Vick’s total for the entire 2010 season.
Vick is completing just 55 percent of his passes, too, which is in line with his career average but well below his 61-percent accuracy as the Eagles’ full-time starter last season.
“He was a little loose with the ball on a couple of occasions, but other than that he’s been pretty clean,” Mornhinweg said. “He’s going to emphasize that himself.”
Vick likely being back on the field Sunday is the last thing the Giants wanted to hear. The Eagles have won the past six games in the rivalry, while Tom Coughlin’s team continues to be ravaged by injury.
“It puts a lift in your step thinking Mike’s going to be there,” Eagles receiver Jeremy Maclin said.