Reid: No Doubt Vick will be Ready for Opener

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. -- Eagles quarterback Michael Vick will be ready to return for the season opener against the Browns on September 9^th, but he’s unlikely to play again this preseason.

"No," head coach Andy Reid quickly said when asked if he had any doubt of Vick's availability for the opener. "In season, you'd probably have him in there for the game."

The fourth-year Eagle played just 12 snaps in the preseason and threw only seven passes, going 4-for-7 for 11 yards against the Steelers and Patriots. Vick left each game with an injury after just six plays, bruising his thumb and then his ribs.

For a quarterback leading an offense that was trying to make major improvements in taking care of the ball, a little more playing time and some rhythm would’ve been desirable.

"It's a situation that you're presented," Reid said. "Would I like him to have some more reps? Would he like more reps? Sure, both of us would like him to have more reps.

"You bank on his maturity and experience to get him through a situation like this," Reid added.

After reviewing the game film, Reid still found nothing wrong with Vick's decision making on the play that knocked him out of Monday's game.

Vick scrambled away from a pass rusher, wheeled around in the pocket and stepped up to deliver a pass despite seeing Patriots linebacker Jermaine Cunningham bearing down on him.

"To tell him he can't make that throw, I mean, you're not going to tell him that," Reid said. "You just want everybody to do their job so that that doesn't happen right there."

Vick's ability to protect himself has come into question frequently in his career, but Reid was pleased in some aspects.

"I will give him credit that he did a nice job sliding in this game, which was a plus," Reid said.  He was then reminded that it was a head-first slide.

"Head first slide, yeah, yeah. Listen, it's a good start, but I'm not that worried about it," Reid said.

With Vick likely out for Friday's preseason game against the Browns, Nick Foles would start and play between a quarter and a half.  Trent Edwards would play the rest of the game. Reid said he plans to play most of his starters approximately a quarter.

At the end of the day, Reid said he needs Vick to protect himself without thinking about trying to avoid hits.

"There's a fine line here, because he has to play the game," Reid said. "It's a violent sport where you're going to get injuries and if you're out there worried about that part of it, then you're not going to perform to the best of your ability."

Eagles Injuries

Quarterback Michael Vick (ribs), defensive end Jason Babin (calf), wide receiver Riley Cooper (collarbone), quarterback Mike Kafka (hand), linebacker Casey Matthews (high ankle sprain) and safety Tom Nelson (high ankle sprain) will not practice today.

Cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (shoulder) will practice today.

Ryan Messick covers the Eagles for 97.3 ESPN FM.  Follow him on Twitter.