National Football League

Reid won't rule out Vick for Sunday

Published Oct. 13, 2010 1:00 a.m. ET

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Eagles coach Andy Reid has not ruled out quarterback Michael Vick for Sunday's game against his old team the Atlanta Falcons.

Kevin Kolb is still expected to start in place of Vick, who is recovering from a rib cartilage injury, but Reid said Wednesday that Vick could return to practice by the end of the week. If that does not happen, the former Pro Bowl quarterback would miss his second game.

"He's still recovering," Reid said. "He started to lift some, but he's not throwing. We'll just see how he progresses. Kevin will take the reps at practice."

Vick hurt himself during the first quarter of the Eagles' loss to Washington and missed last week's game against San Francisco, when Kolb led the team to victory. Vick could sit out next weekend at Tennessee, too, because the Eagles have a bye week after that.

In other injury news, defensive tackle Broderick Bunkley will skip surgery after hurting his elbow last Sunday in San Francisco and try to make it back on the field in a few weeks. Bunkley is expected to be doubtful against the Falcons.

"Originally, it looked like he needed surgery," Reid said. "After the doctors met it was decided, let's give him an opportunity to rehab, brace it up and give him some time. It's a stretch for him to go this week, but we'll see from there."

Reid said veteran defensive tackles Trevor Laws and Antonio Dixon will rotate in place of Bunkley next to starter Mike Patterson.

"It's a loss, a huge loss," Patterson said. "The guys who are the backups have to step up now. Trevor and Dixon, they have to come up big for us."

Left tackle Jason Peters tore the meniscus in his knee in last Sunday's win over San Francisco and will have arthroscopic surgery Thursday. There was no timetable for his return, and third-year man King Dunlap will make his first career start in the NFL.

"I have confidence in King," Reid said. "There were a few plays last week he'd like to have back. I'm sure he would tell you that. But he did OK."

Running back LeSean McCoy, who played last week with a broken rib and and gained 138 total yards against San Francisco, sat out of practice but is expected back by the end of the week. One of his key blockers, left guard Todd Herremans, also sat out with a sore knee but expects to be back on the field as soon as Thursday.

On a more positive note, Pro Bowl cornerback Asante Samuel and backup wide receiver Riley Cooper were back at practice Wednesday. Both missed last week's game after concussions.

The Eagles have had 11 players miss game with injuries already this season, including starting center Jamaal Jackson and fullback Leonard Weaver, who are on injured reserve.

"Crazy, isn't it?" Patterson said. "Maybe they'll rethink that extension (of 18 games) to the season."

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