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Vick Not Ruled Out For Sunday

By Ed Benkin

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- All signs point to Nick Foles starting at quarterback for the Eagles this Sunday, but Michael Vick isn't ready to grab a clipboard just yet.

As the Eagles get ready to face the Buccaneers in Tampa, Vick continues to recover from a hamstring injury.  While most believe Vick won't be ready to play on Sunday, he says he is still hopeful he will be able to take the field.

I'm preparing as if I'm going to play," said Vick.  "I prepare every week like I'm going to play even if I am the backup.  I have to stay mentally involved and stay in tune with the game plan."

While Vick is hoping he will be ready to face the Bucs, Foles has been taking snaps with the first-team offense throughout the week.  Foles says he hasn't changed his approach even though he will likely start on Sunday, and he feels his is on the same page with his receivers.

NICK FOLES
(credit: Ed Benkin/KYW)

"I've gotten used to how they run their routes," Foles said.  "I feel really, really comfortable.  Every day, you get the reps and you can see the routes they are going to run and you can feel how each receiver will run it."

Chip Kelly says he will get feedback from both Vick and the trainers before he makes his decision as to who will be the starting quarterback.  If Kelly does turn to Foles, the coach has plenty of confidence in the second-year signal caller.

"I think Nick has the ability to be a starter in this league," said Kelly.  We're excited about him.  If the opportunity presents itself on Sunday then I am excited to see Nick out there."

Wide receiver Jason Avant says there are some adjustments the receivers need to make with a different quarterback.  However, Avant believes Foles has a firm grasp of the offense.

"It's the same offense," Avant said.  "We'll still run the same plays, but timing is totally different.  Everyone has different timing.  With Mike, it's a little bit different than with Nick."

Kelly said he may wait as late as Sunday morning before making his decision.

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