PHILADELPHIA — Michael Vick will take over as the Eagles’ No. 1 quarterback, coach Andy Reid said Tuesday, a day after he announced he would go back to Kevin Kolb.
“When someone is playing at the level Michael Vick is playing, you have to give him an opportunity,” Reid said. “This isn’t about Kevin Kolb’s play. You’re talking about Michael Vick as one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL right now.”
Kolb missed the last six quarters because of a concussion, but was cleared to practice and was expected to run the first-team offense today.
“Kevin is fine. It’s not an injury-related issue,” Reid said. “It’s not about judging him. He’s going to be a championship-caliber quarterback.”
Vick has completed 63.8 percent of his passes and has posted consecutive games with a passer rating above 100 for only the second time.
Redskins release Johnson
ASHBURN, Va. — The Redskins released running back Larry Johnson, who gained 2 yards on five carries in two games, and agreed to terms with Chad Simpson, a third- year back who was cut by the Bills before the season.
Jets’ Edwards will play
NEW YORK — Jets receiver Braylon Edwards won’t start but will play Sunday against the Dolphins despite being arrested for drunken driving.
“Braylon’s actions clearly come under the purview of the league’s substance-abuse policy,” general manager Mike Tannenbaum said. “This is going to have to run its course through the legal system.”
Colts rule out three
INDIANAPOLIS — Colts linebacker Ramon Humber will miss Sunday’s game at Denver after having surgery to repair a fractured hand.
Receiver Anthony Gonzalez (ankle) and safety Bob Sanders (biceps) also won’t play against the Broncos.
Also, the Colts released offensive tackle Tony Ugoh from injured reserve.
Footnotes.
Saints running back Reggie Bush’s broken right leg, suffered during Monday night’s victory over the 49ers, likely will sideline him about six weeks.
• The Falcons placed backup running back Jerious Norwood on season-ending injured reserve because of a knee injury, and added former Colorado State running back Gartrell Johnson to the active roster and running back Shawnbrey McNeal to the practice squad.
• Giants running back Brandon Jacobs has been fined $10,000 by the NFL for tossing his helmet into the stands Sunday against the Colts.
• The Jaguars signed quarterback Todd Bouman, giving the team an experienced backup to David Garrard.
• Steelers quarterback Dennis Dixon is expected to have surgery today on his left knee and could go on the injured reserve list.
• Texans offensive tackle Duane Brown was suspended for four games without pay for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs.
The Associated Press
