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NFL Notebook: Michael Vick Nicked; Ryan Mathews Out

Charger Ryan Mathews is out 4-to-6 weeks.

For all his talent, Michael Vick just cannot seem to avoid getting injured – or at least dinged up. The Philadelphia Eagles quarterback the first preseason game against Pittsburgh after he hit his left (throwing) hand on a helmet after throwing a pass in the second quarter.

The Eagles announced that X-rays on Vick’s left thumb were negative, although it’s unclear whether the injury will cause Vick to miss any practice time.

Vick had said earlier he was going to try do whatever he could to avoid injuries. He was limited to 13 games last season because of various injuries, including a concussion and broken ribs.

Charger’s Back Hurt On 1st Play

San Diego starting running back Ryan Mathews broke his collarbone on his first carry in the Chargers preseason opener against Green Bay and will be out four-to-six weeks.

He is expected to have surgery Friday morning.

Mathews was involved in a car crash on Monday, but said he was only banged-up and was able to play Thursday.

He replaced LaDainian Tomilnson as San Diego’s feature back in 2010, ran for 1,091 yards and six touchdowns last season. He added 50 catches for 455 yards.

T.O. Practice With Seattle A Violation?

In Terrell Owens’ first practice with his new team, the Seattle Seahawks, he should not have been shoulder pads. Because he apparently was, it is a violation of the collective bargaining agreement and could results in a penalty from the NFL>

The team said it unintentionally committed the violation and that Owens should have just been in a shell and not shoulder pads during his debut practice on Wednesday.

League spokesman Greg Aiello said in an email that the league is gathering facts. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram first reported the possible violation.

The CBA states that players have a three-day acclimation period during the preseason after signing: ”Day 1 is for the physical and meetings. Day 2 and 3 the player may participate, but only in helmet and shells or a padded shirt. Day 4 and for the rest of camp is in full pads.”

Owens signed Monday, making it his first day. He attended meetings and a walkthrough on Tuesday and was in full pads for Wednesday’s practice.

It’s unclear if the team will face any discipline.

Woman Ref Commendable

Shannon Eastin, the first woman to ever referee an NFL game, earned the ultimate compliment for an official after her Thursday debut in San Diego: It was almost as if she wasn’t there.

”She was confident and in control,” Chargers coach Norv Turner said.

Eastin, 42 from Tempe, Ariz., seemed unfazed by the history she was making – or the size and speed of the players she officiated. She served as the line judge for the seven-person crew.

Wearing No. 27 on the back of her official’s uniform and her hair tucked under the back of her cap, Eastin was dwarfed by the players as she lined up in front of San Diego’s sideline and had a camera following nearly every move before the game.

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