Falcons QB knocked out with injured shoulder

Posted 8:23AM on Monday 7th October 2002 ( 22 years ago )

ATLANTA - Falcons quarterback Michael Vick was knocked out of Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with an injury to his non-throwing shoulder. Vick was hurt two minutes into the third quarter when sacked by Simeon Rice. After Warren Sapp forced him from the pocket, Vick was driven to the turf by Rice and came down hard on his right shoulder, spraining the AC joint. Vick had X-rays after a 20-6 loss to the Buccaneers. The results were negative, but the 22-year-old quarterback wasn't sure if he would be able to play next Sunday against the New York Giants. "It's really sore right now," he said. "I can't really lift my arm up. I've never really been hit like that before, where a guy falls on top of me. And I've never really had any problems with my shoulder. So I knew something was definitely wrong." Vick did some throwing on the sideline and put his helmet on, hoping to get back in the game. But coach Dan Reeves decided to let Doug Johnson go the rest of the way. "The doctor went ahead and started treating it," Reeves said. "Hopefully, that will help with the healing process as far as the future is concerned. It was hurting him too bad for us to put him back in today." Vick had his worst game of the season. He was 4 of 12 passing for 37 yards, and managed only 1 yard on the ground. He came in leading the Falcons in rushing (184 yards) and the NFL in yards per carry (7.7). "They were tough," said Vick, who was sacked three times and faced constant pressure. "That's what their team thrives off of, their defense, and they did a good job today."

http://accesswdun.com/article/2002/10/189210