FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga., Oct. 11 (UPI) -- The Atlanta Falcons, who are dealing with the news that they likely will be without star quarterback Michael Vick Sunday when they play the New York Giants, have signed defensive end Patrick Kerney to a contract extension.
Terms of the deal were not released, but the website ESPN.com reported that Kerney will receive a signing bonus of $8.5 million.
Kerney was the 30th overall pick in the 1999 draft out of the University of Virginia, and has
started every game the past two seasons. Last year, he recorded 68 tackles and had 12 sacks, which is tied for fourth on the Falcons all-time list.
The 6-5, 273-pounder has 14 tackles and two sacks this season for Atlanta (1-3), and has 207 tackles and 19 sacks in 52 career games.
Vick, who has a sprained right shoulder, was unable to finish practice Thursday and didn't even suit up Friday, when Coach Dan Reeves announced his decision.
"No, he did not," said Reeves. "There's no need to irritate it or agitate it. He didn't do anything. There was a possibility he could have played, but it still hurts him throwing the ball. There's no need to press it, or take a chance on it."
His starter's spot will be assumed by backup Doug Johnson, who will make his third pro start.
"Doug has done really well," said Reeves. "He'll be ready."
Reeves did not totally rule out the chance that Vick might see some playing time.
"We won't rule [Vick] out, but he won't start," Reeves said. "He needs to practice some in these two days. Doug will start, and we'll make a decision (later) on whether (Vick) will be (No. 2 or 3)."
