Vick Doesn’t Practice but Might Still Play

Michael Vick was held out of practice Wednesday because of a sore left hamstring, but the Atlanta quarterback said he may play Sunday at Buffalo even if he can’t practice the rest of the week.

“As long as I’m getting mental reps, I think I’ll be able to go out there and execute the game plan,” Vick said. “It’s possible I may not practice all week. Who knows? I’m just playing it by ear right now. I just have to be able to be me.”

Second-year quarterback Matt Schaub, who made one start last season, ran the first-team offense.

Vick did some light running but did not try to test the hamstring.

“We’re not trying to rush it,” he said. “It’s too early in the week.”

His status may not be determined until pregame warmups.

“I’ve got to be able to move around,” Vick said. “It’s a big part of my game and a big part of our package and what we do.”

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A doctor who was accused in a television report of writing illegal steroid prescriptions for three former Carolina Panther players has been indicted on federal charges.

James M. Shortt was charged with 29 counts of distributing steroids and human growth hormones as well as a conspiracy charge, U.S. Attorney Johnny Gasser said. The indictment did not specify who received the drugs.

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Houston Texan Coach Dom Capers benched two starters for their poor performances, hoping to spur the team’s struggling defense.

Cornerback Phillip Buchanon and linebacker Jason Babin, former first-round picks, were replaced with Demarcus Faggins, a sixth-rounder, and undrafted free agent Shantee Orr.

The Texans canceled today’s practice and asked all players to leave town as Hurricane Rita headed toward the area.

Capers said the team, which has a bye this week, was looking at alternatives that include practicing next week in Cincinnati before the Texans’ game Oct. 2 against the Bengals.

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New York Jet running back Curtis Martin sat out practice because of a bruised right knee and is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against Jacksonville.

Martin, who was injured against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, might be able to play, given his history of playing through injuries. The NFL rushing champion last sat out a game in 1998, and has sat out four in his 11-year career.

“If he feels he can help the team win, Curtis Martin is going to play,” Coach Herman Edwards said. “He’s never going to put the team in jeopardy.”

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Tight end Bubba Franks, who has played in all of Green Bay’s 88 games, counting playoffs, since they made him their top pick out of Miami in the 2000 draft, might have to sit out Sunday’s game because of a bruised left knee.

The Packers re-signed tight end Ben Steele and put Pro Bowl receiver Javon Walker, who injured a knee in the season opener, on injured reserve.

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Jacksonville quarterback Byron Leftwich did not practice because of a sore groin and was listed as questionable on the injury report. But Leftwich insisted he would play Sunday at the New York Jets.

“I’m fine. I’ll be ready to play Sunday,” he said.

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Donovan McNabb and Terrell Owens sat out practice because of injuries, but both will probably play in Philadelphia’s game against Oakland on Sunday.

McNabb has a groin injury, Owens an abdominal injury.

“I don’t think any injury will take me away from playing,” McNabb said. “It’s serious enough that you have to pay attention to it.”

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Tennessee rookie safety Vincent Fuller had a plate inserted into his broken right leg.... San Diego left guard Toniu Fonoti had a plate inserted into his broken right hand.... The Indianapolis Colts signed free-agent running backs Kory Chapman and Anthony Davis and released defensive tackle Jason Stewart and defensive end Gabe Nyenhuis.... Cleveland released veteran quarterback Doug Johnson and claimed rookie quarterback Derek Anderson on waivers from Baltimore.... Carolina safety Mike Minter sat out practice because of a strained calf that could end his streak of playing in 64 consecutive regular-season games.... Safety Lawyer Milloy had surgery to repair an injured right thumb, leaving his status uncertain for Buffalo’s game against Atlanta.