UPDATE – We may not get the final, official word until game time, but Geoff Mosher of the News Journal reports that the Eagles have already determined Michael Vick will not play Sunday night.
With Michael Vick recovering from broken ribs, and Jeremy Maclin recovering from shoulder and hamstring injuries, it’s possible that the struggling Eagles will be without both of their stars for Sunday night’s game against their division rival, the New York Giants.
Backup quarterback Vince Young has taken all of the first team snaps in practice this week, but he doesn’t have any significant playing time this year – attempting only one pass attempt this year. This looks likely to be his first start in a year.
“It’s always good to get reps, definitely working with a new offense it helps you [to] know where your eyes are at and your timing,” Young said after practice. But his focus is where it should be, on getting the Eagles a much needed win.
“It’s not even about me; it’s about the team,” he said. “I just want to go out there and lead the guys to victory.”
The Eagles playoff hopes are dangling by a thread, as only three teams since the merger have recovered from a 3-6 start to make the playoffs. And with games remaining against the Giants (Sunday night), the Patriots, the Jets and the Cowboys, the schedule doesn’t get any easier.
But given that the Eagles are loaded with talent on both sides of the ball, maybe a change in on-field chemistry will actually help. As running back LeSean McCoy said, “Games like this, where guys need to step up, they step up and make plays.”
