Reid On Vick, Dunlap, LB Competition

Michael Vick raised some eyebrows yesterday when he told USA Today that he was “trying” to get healthy for the Sept. 9 opener against the Browns.

Andy Reid was asked today if he had any doubts that the quarterback would be ready in Week 1.

“I don’t think so,” he said. “I think he’s going to be fine for the first game.”

Reid added that Vick threw today in Philadelphia with Mike Kafka, who is recovering from a fractured left hand.

“I think he feels better to where he can throw today so I think that’s a plus,” he said. “I’ll talk to him tomorrow and we’ll see how he’s doing. We have Flight Night coming up on Sunday… he’ll get an opportunity to maybe throw the ball around a little bit.”

Kafka, meanwhile, felt pretty good, according to Reid, but he said he’ll talk to head athletic trainer Rick Burkholder tomorrow about what the quarterback’s status is.

KING STILL IN FRONT

King Dunlap started at left tackle tonight, but Demetress Bell rotated in.

“I would probably tell you King’s a little bit ahead, but Bell’s doing a good job,” Reid said. “He’s getting everything together, and I’m glad we have him.”

At this point, it sure seems like it’s Dunlap’s job to lose, and he’s the favorite to start in Week 1.

COMPETITION OPEN AT LB

While DeMeco Ryans has the middle linebacker job locked down, and Mychal Kendricks will man the SAM Position, Reid said competition is still open at the WILL spot.

Brian Rolle has been playing there, but Jamar Chaney has been dealing with a hamstring injury. Rolle led the Eagles with four tackles (three solo), but also had two offsides penalties on the opening drive.

“Initially, he was in competition with Chaney for that job,” Reid said. “Chaney got some good snaps in today. I didn’t want him to re-injure that thing, and it was getting tight on him, so I took him out. But I still think there’s a competition there.”

Follow Sheil Kapadia on Twitter and e-mail him at skapadia@phillymag.com.