Blow for Philadelphia Eagles as Vick sidelined during pre-season game again

The quarterback's injury jinx returned as a heavy hit to the ribs forced him out of the pre-season encounter with the New England Patriots.

Michael Vick is hit hard by the Patriots' Jermaine Cunningham during their pre-season match.

Michael Vick was forced out of the Philadelphia Eagles' preseason game with the New England Patriots last night after another heavy hit.

Vick, 32, took a hard hit from New England's Jermaine Cunningham in the first quarter and promptly left the game to get X-rays on his ribs which showed the quarterback had not broken any bones.

It was the second consecutive game that Vick, the four-time Pro Bowler, was forced to exit early.

He was also hurt in Philadelphia's opening preseason contest on Aug. 9, when a thumb ailment turned out to be minor but nevertheless sidelined him.

"In my mind I was like, 'ah, not again,'" Eagles receiver DeSean Jackson told reporters after the game.

"Last year we dealt with a lot of time with him getting injured. Going back there (to see him at halftime) I can tell he was bruised and hurt but we have a lot of time before the season opener."

The Eagles begin their season on September 9 at the Cleveland Browns.

Injuries have been a constant thorn in Vick's side throughout his career.

An electrifying runner and passer entering his fourth season with Philadelphia, Vick threw for 3,303 yards and 18 scores in 13 games last season.

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