NFL injury roundup: Michael Vick out, Arian Foster in

Michael Vick is officially out and Arian Foster is officially in for the Eagles and Texans, respectively. Check out who else may or may not be playing, including Willis McGahee, DeMarco Murray, Cecil Shorts and Jarvis Jones.

By Louis Bien@louisbien Oct 17, 2013, 4:52pm EDT

Michael Vick announced Thursday that he will not suit up when the Philadelphia Eagles play the Dallas Cowboys this Sunday. Vick is dealing with a strained hamstring he suffered during a Week 5 win over the New York Giants. Nick Foles took over for Vick in that game, and has played brilliantly since. If Foles keeps up his excellent play, Vick may remain on the sideline even if healthy. For now, the quarterback controversy hasn't technically begun with Vick still on the mend.

Arian Foster will play vs. Chiefs

Like Vick, Arian Foster is also dealing with a hamstring injury. Fortunately for him, he isn't expected to miss playing time. Foster was held out of practice Thursday, but as a precaution. He has been dealing with nagging injuries throughout the season, including thumb and chest ailments, but has yet to miss a game. Foster could split carries with Ben Tate against the Kansas City Chiefs, however. Neither back will be helped by the fact that Case Keenum will be making his first career NFL start at quarterback Sunday.

Willis McGahee misses practices Thursday

Willis McGahee sat out practice Thursday to rest his surgically repaired knee. There is no word yet whether his Week 7 status is in jeopardy. McGahee did not appear on the Cleveland Browns' injury report Wednesday.

If McGahee can't suit up against the Green Bay Packers, expect Chris Ogbonnaya to receive a lot of touches on offense. Ogbonnaya is arguably a better receiver out of the backfield, so he may have seen more playing time regardless if the Browns are forced to throw often to keep pace with the Packers.

DeMarco Murray, Lance Dubar sit Thursday

Neither DeMarco Murray nor Lance Dunbar is expected to suit up for the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles. Both backs were held out of practice Thursday with knee and hamstring injuries, respectively, and neither has yet to take a rep this week.

Rookie Joseph Randle is expected to handle the Cowboys' rushing load this week, with the bruising Phillip Tanner pinch-hitting in short-yardage situations. Neither player should be especially busy, however. Tony Romo is completing over 70 percent of his passes and has attempted fewer than 30 passes in just one game this season.

Cecil Shorts still in pain

Cecil Shorts III is dealing with a shoulder sprain that has made day-to-day tasks like putting on shirt and sleeping difficult for the wide receiver. Ergo, playing football against the San Diego Chargers could be difficult. Shorts has yet to be ruled out for Sunday's game, but his status should be considered in jeopardy.

If Shorts can't play, Mike Brown would stand to see a lot more targets. Rookie Ace Sanders is out as he nurses a concussion. Justin Blackmon should once again be the focus of the Jacksonville Jaguars passing attack.

Jonathan Vilma says he will practice next week

Jonathan Vilma is almost ready to return for the New Orleans Saints. The veteran linebacker was placed on injured reserve before the regular season began, but was designated for return. As a result, he became eligible to return to practice after Week 6, and is eligible to return to the playing field after Week 8.

Whether Vilma will take on a major role in the Saints' defense when healthy remains to be seen. The unit has been humming along pretty well this season without him. David Hawthorne and Curtis Lofton are currently slotted as the team's inside linebackers.

Jarvis Jones diagnosed with concussion

Jarvis Jones is officially dealing with a concussion, which was likely suffered during the Pittsburgh Steelers' Week 6 win over the New York Jets. Jones has not been cleared to practice since informing medical staff of the injury Monday. If Jones sits out Week 7, Jason Worilds would likely get the start at outside linebacker against the Baltimore Ravens. Jones has started four games this year, and has compiled 18 tackles.