Eagles coach: QB Vick’s status uncertain because of rib cartilage injury

Eagles QB Vick has rib cartilage injury

PHILADELPHIA — Michael Vick got a warning from teammate DeSean Jackson right before he was injured.

“I told him: ‘Don’t take no hits like that. We can’t afford you taking hits,’” Jackson said. “He’s just trying to make things happen.”

Vick didn’t listen, and he ended up with a rib cartilage injury that may force him to miss at least Philadelphia’s next game at San Francisco.

“This is going to be one of those day-to-day, week-to-week (injuries),” Eagles coach Andy Reid said Monday. “We’ll just see how it goes and how he feels along the way.”

If Vick can’t play, Kevin Kolb gets another chance to prove he can be the No. 1 quarterback. Kolb began the season as Donovan McNabb’s successor, but lost his job when he sustained a concussion in Week 1 and Vick played exceptional in his absence.

“I’m a competitor and I want to play,” Kolb said. “I want to win. It’s vital for our season and for our team right now to go out and win next week and I hope I get the opportunity. But we’ll see what happens with Mike’s injury and what the situation is and then we’ll go from there.”

Without Vick, the offense struggled in Philadelphia’s 17-12 loss to McNabb and the Redskins on Sunday. The Eagles (2-2) now travel to face a desperate 49ers team looking to avoid an 0-5 start.

Reid wouldn’t rule Vick out, but it would seem unlikely he could play given the painful nature of his injury. Reid said Vick doesn’t have any broken bones, though the cartilage between his second and third rib might be cracked.

“He’s sore, he’s sore,” Reid said. “It’s up high in that second and third rib. And that’s what it is and you have ligaments and you have cartilage up there.”

Vick wasn’t the only one hurt against the Redskins. Running back LeSean McCoy broke a rib during the first half but played through it. His status also is uncertain. Pro Bowl cornerback Asante Samuel and wide receiver Riley Cooper sustained mild concussions.

Vick was injured late in the first quarter. He took two hard hits, getting sandwiched between Kareem Moore and DeAngelo Hall after a dazzling 23-yard run to the Redskins 1 that was negated by a holding penalty.

Kolb came in and was 22 for 35 for 201 yards with a touchdown and interception. The offense was dynamic with Vick in there. But Kolb hasn’t had much success, leading the Eagles to just 15 points in five quarters.

“I think he’ll be fine,” Reid said. “I think everybody has confidence in him and you go in and play well.”