No time frame yet on Michael Vick’s return

There might be another Mike under center this week for the Eagles.

As the team’s medical staff continues to go through the proper concussion protocols, the status of starting quarterback Mike Vick is still uncertain. Head athletic trainer Rick Burkholder wouldn’t even put a time frame on when all the required testing would be done.

“That’s foolish on our part medically to put a time frame out there,” Burkholder said yesterday. “We’re going to go through our protocol, and when Mike’s ready to practice, I’m going to turn him over to Coach.”

Coach Andy Reid didn’t rule out Vick playing against the Giants, even if he misses practice this week. But Reid wouldn’t name a new starter if Vick isn’t ready. Vince Young is listed as the backup, but he hasn’t dressed the past two weeks as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury. Third-stringer Mike Kafka relieved Vick on Sunday, going 7-for-9 for 72 yards.

“We’ll see how all that goes,” Reid said. “I haven’t gotten to that point.”

Yesterday, Vick was resting and no decision had been made on whether he would have an MRI.

Getting back on the field

Even after he’s healthy, Vick will have to clear a few procedural hurdles before coming back.

At some point, Vick will visit an independent neurologist and undergo ImPACT testing.

According to NFL rules, he can’t practice until he completes and clears all testing.

“Rest is one of the vital things we can give him,” Eagles head athletic
trainer Rick Burkholder said. “We try not to tax his brain or anything.
We will go through protocol.”