CHICAGO - One of the NFL's biggest stories in training camp and in the first weeks of the season became a non-story when the Philadelphia Eagles relegated Michael Vick to pretty much onlooker status.
He's been used only sparingly in recent weeks - Vick had just four touches in the previous three games - and he's done almost nothing this season since returning from suspension in Week 3. But Vick put himself in line for more work right from the start, coming in on the third play from scrimmage. On third-and-1 at the Eagles' 34-yard line, he faked a handoff to LeSean McCoy and then ran up the middle for 34 yards. It was by far Vick's longest play of the season, topping an 11-yard run he had in Week 5 against Tampa Bay. Vick came back on the Eagles' second possession and was nearly sacked by Alex Brown before completing a pass to tight end Brent Celek for no gain. Bears coach Lovie Smith said during the week that his team had committed practice time to preparing for Vick even though he's been less involved. Heady stuff Concussions and player health remain in the forefront, and not just because Eagles running back Brian Westbrook missed Sunday's game after he had his second concussion in 20 days last week at San Diego. The NFL went before the House Judiciary Committee last month on Capitol Hill, and it's something at the forefront for the league and the players association. The New York Times reported last week that the NFLPA is trying to get Dr. Ira Casson, co-chairman of the NFL's committee on concussions, ousted because he continues to dismiss studies that have linked the NFL with dementia issues for former players. Jay Glazer reported on Fox on Sunday that commissioner Roger Goodell has ordered every team and team doctor to secure an independent neurologist to work with their organization on concussion issues. Bears left tackle Orlando Pace suffered a mild concussion last week at San Francisco. He didn't miss practice time as it was deemed he wasn't showing any post-concussion symptoms. The only other concussion the team has dealt with this season was one for linebacker Nick Roach in the preseason opener at Buffalo. It was his second concussion in a year, and he was held out of the remaining three preseason games. Concussions have been a major issue for the Bears in the past. "Most people know concussions ended my career," ex-Bears running back Merril Hoge told the Washington Post. "What they don't know was how close I came to dying, that I flatlined in the locker room. It can happen. I came as close as one, unfortunately, can come. It is real. That's what's hard for players to deal with." Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger reportedly suffered one in Pittsburgh's loss at Kansas City, and it's at least the fourth of his career. Arizona quarterback Kurt Warner also reportedly suffered a mild concussion in the Cardinals' victory at St. Louis. Extra points Eagles cornerback Sheldon Brown, who was questionable with a pulled hamstring, ran his consecutive games played streak to 134, including postseason. n The Bears made a change on defense by inserting Corey Graham as the nickel back. The team had been moving free safety Danieal Manning to the nickel and then replacing him at safety with Payne or Nathan Vasher. By using Graham, they're making just one move when they sub out strong-side linebacker Nick Roach in the sub package.
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