No timeframe for Mike Vick’s return, trainer says

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 timeframe on when all the required testing would be done.

“That’s foolish on our part medically to put a timeframe 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.”

Burkholder elaborated on the hit that sidelined Vick late in the third quarter Sunday night, saying the quarterback’s head whipped around and caused him to bite his tongue, which caused bleeding. The coaches talked with Vick and decided that he was just a “little bit off.”

“He told coach he was fine, he told his teammates he was fine, he told me he was fine, and he was very far along [Sunday night],” Burkholder said.

On Monday, Vick was resting and no decision had been made on whether he would have an MRI. At some point, he 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,” Burkholder said. “We try not to tax his brain or anything. We will go through protocol.”

Head coach Andy Reid wouldn’t name a new starter if Vick isn’t ready to go. Vince Young is listed as the backup quarterback, but he hasn’t dressed the past two weeks as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury. Third-stringer Mike Kafka relieved Vick this past Sunday, going 7-of-9 for 72 yards.

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