<!--StartFragment --> <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=3 width=760 border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD align=left width=760>Vick listed as questionable
By
STEVE WYCHE
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 10/08/05 A day before their showdown with the defending Super Bowl champs, the Falcons downgraded quarterback Michael Vick's playing status from probable to questionable, an ominous move that strongly suggests Vick won't play Sunday against New England.
The announcement came after the team's Saturday morning walkthrough. Vick suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament in his right knee in last week's 30-10 victory over Minnesota and did not practice until Friday, when he only took part in limited drills.
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</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!--startclickprintinclude--><!--begintext-->Second-year quarterback Matt Schaub, who took almost every snap with the first- and second-team offense this week at practice and who relieved Vick in the final 2 1/2 quarters of last week's game at Minnesota, would start for the 3-1 Falcons at the Georgia Dome if Vick does not play.
Coach Jim Mora, who was not available for comment Saturday, said Friday that Vick's health was improving but that his status would not be determined until game day. However, the team's decision to downgrade Vick to questionable after a week's worth of rest and rehabilitation indicates that team officials feel he might not ready.
Vick said he would play only if he felt he could contribute and not be a hindrance.
The decision to switch Vick's status could be a ploy; gamesmanship by coaches in how players are listed on injury reports are commonplace in order to throw off opponents' preparation. However, the NFL frowns on such deceptive tactics and could fine a team if it determines intentional disregard for fair play.
Patriots coach Bill Belichick said earlier this week that the team was preparing for Vick.
Falcons players and coaches said the team's NFL-best rushing game should be good enough to carry the offense and ease pressure off Schaub, who lost his only start at New Orleans late last season. Players have expressed confidence in Schaub and claim that as good as Vick is, they're balanced enough to win without him.
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