Vick ‘Not Even Close To Playing’ This Week

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Eagles head trainer Rick Burkholder gave an update on Michael Vick‘s condition Friday. It sounds like the quarterback is still a ways off.

“He’s had symptoms all week since the game. He’s had a headache, which has gotten better during the week. He’s foggy. He’s not very alert right now in terms of, he just doesn’t have that energy. He’s tired all the time,” said Burkholder. “He slept a lot. He’s not getting rid of the fatigue. I would consider him heavy-eyed. When you talk to him, he’s just not the Michael Vick I know when he’s healthy.”

The Eagles have officially ruled Vick out for Sunday’s game in Washington.

In terms of the process of being cleared following a concussion, Burkholder said Vick is still in “Phase One.” Vick took an impact test on Friday and it was determined that his cognitive function is down. He will be tested again on Monday. In the meanwhile, Vick will continue to rest in dark, quiet areas.

Normally a player goes through an “exercise challenge” that includes riding the stationary bike. But because he has too many symptoms, he is not at the point where he can exercise. Vick has less of a headache than he had earlier in the week, aided in part by the treatment he has been receiving from the training staff.

“It’s not in Michael’s best interest, in the league’s best interest, in our best interest, it’s not even close to him playing this week,” said Burkholder.

“In terms of long term, I’m not even going to judge that.”

Vick sustained a concussion against Atlanta last season. This one is different in that some of the symptoms didn’t go away right away like they did last time. Burkholder said that Vick has had only two concussions in Philadelphia. When asked how many he sustained prior to joining the Eagles, Burkholder said, “I don’t want to go on what he had in Atlanta because it’s not my records. I have some information from them, but it would be inaccurate for me to say how many he had there.”

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