Oct. 21
Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy, a man I admire as much as any I have encountered, said something interesting as it pertained to running back Edgerrin James, who has missed the past three games with an injured back but is expected to start Sunday against the Houston Texans.

Dungy classified critics who questioned James' willingness to play injured in the same category as Rush Limbaugh's comments about Donovan McNabb

	Michael Vick's injury has prevented him from playing a single down for the Falcons this season.

That may be a stretch, but I think I understand his point. One thing I know about professional football is that it's a real man's game and takes plenty of courage.

You cannot appreciate (or fear) what these guys put on the line unless you've stood on the sidelines during a game or even in training camp. Sitting in a big stadium or watching on TV somewhat sterilizes the action.

You can't really know a man's hurt unless you are in his body. And since that's impossible, it is daring and careless to criticize a football player who is sidelined by injury, even though it's our constitutional privilege.

I'm not saying all players are pure in their motives, because money is a great motivator. The late George Young screamed against guaranteed contracts because he surmised, perhaps correctly, that a football player is only human. Why play the game if it hurts so much and I can still get paid? As the saying goes, there is a difference between playing hurt and playing injured.

Thus, I delicately step into this subject because two marquee quarterbacks have taken different paths in their recovery from injuries.

Chad Pennington is coming back. Michael Vick isn't yet.

Pennington shattered his left wrist and ligaments in an Aug. 23 preseason game against the New York Giants. At the time, speculation was that he was out at least 10 to 12 weeks, perhaps longer. He plans to play this Sunday, nine weeks removed from his injury.

Vick broke his leg just above the ankle in an Aug. 16 preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens. Because it was the non-weight-bearing bone, the prognosis for Vick's return ranged from six to eight weeks. It has been 10 weeks -- as the Falcons (1-6) have a bye -- and all you hear from Falcons coach Dan Reeves is that it's a real stretch to assume Vick can play Nov. 2 against the Giants.

Vick's fracture is healed by all accounts. He's been trying to strengthen the ankle as he works through some soreness, which is normal. Heck, he might have some soreness for the next year. But, incredibly, all I hear from people in Atlanta, where I reside, is why should Vick come back at all? The team is sorry, the season is lost, and why risk it?

Why? For one, the team is sorry in part because Vick is absent. His presence paralyzed opposing defenses that had to slow down their pass rush and play more tentatively because of his amazing ability. He froze defensive backs trying to cover receivers whenever he broke the pocket. He created space for the running game.

The Falcons sold out their stadium for the entire season. Why do you think that happened? It's all about Vick.

For another reason, Vick is still a young quarterback in a developmental stage. He has not arrived as an established quarterback, no matter how spectacular he played in his second season. ABC analyst John Madden told ESPN's Stuart Scott on "Monday Night Countdown" that he believes quarterbacks don't really become quarterbacks in the NFL until their fifth season, thus explaining why Daunte Culpepper has "arrived."

Look at Donovan McNabb. I can't say what's exactly wrong with him, but he missed half a season last year and he hasn't recaptured his skills, and nobody can blame it on his broken leg. This is a game you have to play to get better, especially at quarterback.

Vick needs to play for the Falcons to reap the rewards of his considerable talent. If he sits out the whole season -- which is what people are suggesting -- he will digress in his fourth year, I'd bet.

Finally, let's not forget that Vick is a professional football player. That's what he gets paid to do. The Falcons sold out their stadium for the entire season. Why do you think that happened? It's all about Vick. And that ticket that fans pay for is a promise of sorts between the fan and the franchise and, yes, between the fan and the player. If you can play, you play.

Vick is a competitor and a professional. I believe he wants to play. It's possible that some people are trying to save their rear ends by being ridiculously conservative in advising Vick.

Can he get hurt? Can he break his leg again? Sure, he can. But what you have to appreciate about NFL players -- and I mean really appreciate -- is that they are at risk every time they step onto that football field.