NFL notes: Vick breaks hand; status uncertain
Michael Vick is banged up again, and this time it’s a broken hand.
The Philadelphia Eagles quarterback, who bounced back from a concussion last week, injured his non-throwing right hand after he was hit hard by Chris Canty in the third quarter of a 29-16 loss to the New York Giants on Sunday. Vick’s status for next week’s game against San Francisco was uncertain.
Tennessee might be without one of its big stars when wide receiver Kenny Britt limped out of the stadium after a win against Denver wearing a brace over his right knee. Coach Mike Munchak would not speculate on the seriousness of the injury.
Undefeated Buffalo had a scare in its come-from-behind 34-31 win over New England when rookie cornerback Aaron Williams was wheeled off the field on a stretcher with a chest injury. He’s out indefinitely.
At Philadelphia, Vick started against the Giants despite a concussion in a loss to Atlanta last Sunday. He wasn’t too happy about the hit in this one, which occurred on a 23-yard completion to Jeremy Maclin in the third quarter.
“I felt I got hit late. No flag,” Vick said. “At some point, something catastrophic is gonna happen. Not to blame the refs, but more precautions should be taken. I’m on the ground all the time in the pocket.”
It appeared on replays that Canty hit Vick in the facemask with his helmet.
Britt came into Sunday’s game leading the AFC with 271 yards receiving. He was hurt just after catching his third pass, his knee buckling as Britt tried to turn upfield. Munchak said Britt will have tests either Sunday night or today to determine the extent of the damage.
The third-year receiver stayed on the ground for a few minutes before being helped to the sideline. He limped heavily, barely able to touch his right foot to the ground. He then was carted off the sideline to the locker room and didn’t return.
At Buffalo, coach Chan Gailey would only say that Williams was having tests and it’s unlikely the injury is season-ending.
Eight face suspension
A person with knowledge of the names told the Associated Press that Tennessee’s Kenny Britt, Tampa Bay’s Aqib Talib and Cincinnati’s Cedric Benson and Adam “Pacman” Jones are among eight players who were subject to being suspended under the league’s conduct policy for incidents during the lockout.
The other players the NFL and the NFL Players Association agreed could be disciplined are Albert Haynesworth, Clark Haggans, Brandon Underwood and Johnny Jolly. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because no official announcement has been made regarding any of the players.
The story was first reported by Yahoo Sports (www.yahoosports.com)
It’s unclear whether the league can discipline players for conduct during the lockout.