Eagles QB Michael Vick avoids serious injury but for how long?

Vick's not going to last long taking hits like this. (Getty Images)

When the Eagles took Fletcher Cox in the first round April's NFL draft almost everyone agreed that it was the smart choice. Cox would bolster a defensive line that struggled at times last season, especially against the run. But through two preseason games, the most important draft pick may have come two rounds later when the Eagles landed Arizona quarterback Nick Foles, a strong-armed talent who has been impressive in relief of QBs ahead of him on the depth chart who were forced from the game because of injury.

Ideally, Michael Vick would play 16 all games. The reality, however, is this: he's missed seven games the previous two seasons. Despite suggestions to the contrary from coaches and teammates, Vick continues to take huge hits after plays break down, which is exactly what happened Monday night against the Patriots. New England's Jermaine Cunningham (legally) drove Vick to the turf in the first quarter and the key to Philly's playoff hopes made his way off the field holding his ribs before retiring to the locker room for X-rays.

Thankfully, those X-rays came back negative but it's the latest instance in a recurring theme: Vick has problems staying healthy. During the second half of the Eagles-Pats game, wide receiver DeSean Jackson was asked by ESPN's Lisa Salters about Vick's status.

“He’s sore and bruised up a little bit,” Jackson said (via PFT). “He’s just like, ‘Man, I can’t keep taking hits like that.’”

Hey, that sounds familiar. The issue is that while it's easy to say getting blown up by human missiles is generally bad for productivity, it's something else entirely to actually do something about it (like, say, throw the ball away or slide feet first).

Philly.com's Jeff McLane writes Tuesday that "A source close to (Vick) said he spoke to the quarterback when he arrived (early Tuesday morning) and that he sounded optimistic that his injury wasn't serious, for whatever that is worth."

"For whatever that is worth" is right. It's great that Vick's injury wasn't serious but how long until we're having this conversation again? Earlier this month, wide receiver DeSean Jackson made it sound like Vick was clear on the situation.

"I think (Vick's) caught on man, I don't think he wants to take them hits and I don't think he wants to be hurt no more this year," Jackson said during an appearance on NFL AM. "Sometimes when he gets hit or sometimes when he runs I get mad because a lot of times because he doesn't know how to protect himself. This year, Obama, you know everybody has been on him."

And all Vick has to show for it is a sore thumb and swollen ribs. Foles should keep his arm loose because at this rate he's going to play a lot in 2012.

For more NFL news, rumors and analysis, follow @EyeOnNFL on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and subscribe to our Pick-6 Podcast and NFL newsletter. You can follow Ryan Wilson on Twitter here: @ryanwilson_07.