There is every reason to believe Michael Vick will start at quarterback for the Eagles on Sunday when they face the Giants at Lincoln Financial Field, but Eagles coach Chip Kelly is not quite ready to make that pronouncement.
Asked if Vick will be ready to go, Kelly on Wednesday said, “I just know Mike will be ready to go in practice today.’’
Vick did practice, reported no setbacks and said he will test his left hamstring fully on Friday by running full speed. Vick missed the past two games after he strained his hamstring Oct. 6 against the Giants and was replaced by backup Nick Foles, who shredded the Giants in the second half of a 36-21 Eagles victory. Foles then beat the Buccaneers and lost to the Cowboys, but came out of the game against Dallas with a concussion.
The Eagles really want Vick to be able to play against the Giants, as the No. 3 quarterback is rookie Matt Barkley, who threw three fourth-quarter interceptions Sunday in his NFL debut.
Kelly said he doesn’t think Vick is running as if the hamstring is completely healed.
“The biggest test for him is how does he bounce back?’’ Kelly said. “Where is he from one day to the next day, and where he is at. I can be honest with you, I don’t think he ran a hundred percent. But he looks like he’s progressing.’’
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Four Giants players did not practice: LB Spencer Paysinger (ankle), RB Brandon Jacobs (hamstring), DT Shaun Rogers and RB David Wilson (neck). Wilson has already been ruled out. Rogers missed time last week but was able to play against the Vikings and was a big part of limiting Adrian Peterson to 28 rushing yards. The 350-pound Rogers — a generous weight listing — has played well this season.
“I mean, Shaun Rogers is a big dude now that can run,’’ Kelly said. [Eagles offensive coordinator] Pat Shurmur said he looks like the State of Rhode Island out there when you look at the tape. But the one thing that impresses you with him is how athletic he is. Some guys in those situations, you’re like all right, he’s big, and physical, but you can get around and move him. But I was really impressed when you saw him in action. He’s a really big athlete that can move.’’
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Tom Coughlin on the inconsistent nature of his special teams: “The unfortunate thing is that it almost goes week-to-week.’’ … The Giants made a practice squad move, re-signing LB Darin Drakeford. He replaces LB Emmanuel Acho, who was signed this week to the Eagles’ active roster. Acho told reporters in Philadelphia the Eagles coaching staff picked his brain about the Giants.