Vick practices, says shoulder is fine

GREENVILLE, S.C. - Michael Vick was back throwing passes at the Atlanta Falcons training camp Tuesday, showing no signs of a sore left shoulder.

Vick hurt the shoulder during a passing drill Monday morning. It was wrapped in ice, and he didn't throw any passes during the afternoon workout.

But Vick was back in his normal routine Tuesday, zipping throws during a two-hour practice.

``It felt great,'' he said. ``I could have had a better day throwing the football, but the shoulder didn't bother me too much.''

Vick, the No. 1 overall pick in 2001, is going into his first season as an NFL starter. He spent most of his rookie season on the bench, but the Falcons cut Chris Chandler during the offseason.

Vick said he may have tweaked his rotator cuff while throwing a sidearm pass during non-contact drills Monday.

``It's nothing serious,'' he said. ``It felt like a stinger. I had a burning sensation. I could have played yesterday, but the doctors wanted me to get treatment.''

Coach Dan Reeves was pleased with what he saw.

``Mike threw the ball well,'' Reeves said. ``I think he'll be OK.''

The coach hasn't decided how much Vick will play Friday night in the first preseason game against Jacksonville.

NOTES: The Falcons have given up on the idea of moving Patrick Kerney to linebacker. Kerney - who led the team with 12 sacks last season - was back at end Tuesday in the Falcons' new 3-4 defensive scheme. Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips said the depth at linebacker prompted him to make the change. The Falcons have promoted rookie Will Overstreet to the first team at the weakside position, while Matt Stewart appears to have the inside track at strongside linebacker. Also, Phillips wanted Kerney to focus on what he does best -- rushing the quarterback. As a linebacker, he would have been forced to worry about dropping into pass coverages.