Philadelphia Eagles starting quarterback Michael Vick completed his first full practice on Monday since being sandwiched between Washington's Kareem Moore and DeAngelo Hall in the first quarter of Philadelphia's Oct. 3 game.
The collision gave Vick a rib cartilage injury that was said to keep him out for a week or two. A week or two turned into a month and now Vick is healthy and ready to take over against the Colts' defense.
Looking back on the injury, Vick says he has to be "smarter" when taking the ball out of the pocket.
"I definitely have to be smarter when running with the football, trying to get down," Vick said. "If not, who knows? There's no telling what I'm going to do. I can't predetermine what I'm going to do. I just have to play smarter and be conscious of what's going on out there and try and protect myself."
Vick was injured on one of his signature dashes for the end zone. It always seems that Vick is unafraid to take the ball downfield himself if need be. Although he explained that he "felt great" after Monday's practice, he is still taking precautionary measures to make sure he can keep his job as quarterback for the Eagles.
"I'll wear extra padding," he said. "I'm confident I can take a hit. I can't play the game worried about getting hit or not being able to play the way I like to play."
Vick showed that he has what it takes to win with his two starts this season. So far this season he has thrown for 799 yards, six touchdowns and no interceptions with a passer rating of 108.8. He also has 187 running yards with one score. He is ready to build off of this success with his return on Sunday.
To make things better for the quarterback, DeSean Jackson, a Pro Bowl wide receiver, should be back in action for the Eagles after suffering a concussion against the Atlanta Falcons on Oct. 17.
