One day after he blasted game officials for not protecting him from pass rushers, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick slightly backtracked from his controversial comments.
"The refs have to do their jobs, and they have tons of things to look over," Vick said Monday. "I was kind of out of character and being too candid in that aspect. Ultimately, I have respect for the referees and their decision to make calls. You won't hear me complaining about it no more."
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Vick took a number of big hits during the Eagles' 29-16 loss to the New York Giants, and he exited the game in the third quarter with a right hand injury after he was hit by defensive tackle Chris Canty, who defended the play. Replays showed his helmet hit Vick's facemask, though an official who helped Vick get up seemed to indicate that Canty hit the quarterback with his shoulder.
The Eagles announced Monday that Vick had a contusion on his non-throwing hand, not a fracture as originally feared.
"Still sore, still swollen," Vick said of his wrapped right hand. "We will see."
This marks the second consecutive week that Vick has found himself in the midst of an injury-related melodrama. Last week, it was whether or not he could overcome a concussion he sustained against the Atlanta Falcons; now, it's a hand injury. Vick is well aware of the risks associated with an early return to the field.
"There is always a risk of having an injury and making it out," Vick said. "I try to to evaluate the situation as much as possible. ...
"It's a cause for concern, but we have time to see how this goes."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
