Image via hard2knockshoppe.blogspot.com

It’s not the official word from the team, but it is the gospel according to Mike Vick. If he is standing and breathing, he will be under center for the Eagles against the 49ers on Sunday.

But even if there is not official word, the signs are looking good for Vick. In practice on Wednesday he took all snaps from the first team, a sign that the swelling in Vick’s hand has gone down substantially.

Said Vick,

“I’m playing this week, regardless. Even if it was broke, I think I would have probably padded it up and went back out there. You got to take precaution, but this is what I love to do.”

A passionate Vick went on to say that he’s sick of injuries and leaving the field early in two consecutive weeks. He’s playing all of Sunday.

“They’ll have to cart me off the field. I’m tired of letting my guys down.”

In his press conference on Wednesday, Andy Reid was much more cautious in his remarks about Vick’s status for Sunday.

“I’ve just got to see how he does here. I’m going to watch him and see how he can function with this thing and then we’ll see if he continues to progress then he’ll have an opportunity to play.”

Wednesday’s Injury Report

Limited Participation: DE Darryl Tapp (pectoral)

Did Not Practice: CB Brandon Hughes (hamstring), WR Jeremy Maclin (hamstring), DE Juqua Parker (ankle)

Benched

Is it too soon to call Casey Matthews a bust? Perhaps it’s too soon to tell. But for now, he is a liability for the team’s defense and has been benched.

He could not handle his initial assignment as middle linebacker. He didn’t fare any better last week at weakside. So he will not play against San Francisco and will be replaced by fellow rookie Brian Rolle.

Rolle feels his strength is with a critical need for the Birds thus far this season–stopping the run.

“I think I’m better in the run than in the pass.”

Matthews is not accepting defeat and is optimistic about his chances for the remainder of the season.

“It’s a long season. We lost two games in a row. They’re just trying stuff.”

Something had better start working for Philadelphia’s defense, and quickly, as many fans (this one included) wish that Andy Reid could be benched

Beat Down at Practice

Don't mess with Les

It’s not a story about the Eagles team, but it’s my favorite story from yesterday.

If you follow beat writers Jeff McLane and Les Bowen, you know that they had a bit of a twitter beef on Tuesday (see? It’s not just for professional athletes anymore!).

In the exchange, Bowen vowed to handle his business in person.  And that he did. By punching McLane in the head at practice on Wednesday.

WOW.

Everyone has someone that they work with that they want to punch in the head, whether it be a coworker or a client. If you claim you don’t you’re lying. So here’s to you for living out our dreams, Les Bowen. I salute you.

Andy Reid’s comments provided courtesy of the Philadelphia Eagles.

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