Vick Is Healing but Still Needs Crutches

Atlanta Falcon orthopedist Andrew Bishop told Michael Vick, the team’s star quarterback, that X-rays show a nearly healed break in his lower right leg. Vick broke his fibula in an exhibition game Aug. 16.

“Yeah, the bone’s healing, but there’s still pain in my foot,” Vick, who is still using crutches, said Wednesday. “Once I’m able to overcome that, I’ll be able to walk without these crutches and without this boot.”

Two days before the Falcons’ season-opening win at Dallas, Vick indicated that he could be off crutches the following week, but the pain continues to linger.

“He X-rayed it again ... but it’s not really about the X-rays anymore,” Vick said. “It’s more about me just walking on my own. That’s the problem.”

Vick says the earliest he could return is Oct. 13 at St. Louis. He hopes the latest date would be Oct. 19 against New Orleans.

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The Denver Broncos signed Danny Kanell to be their No. 3 quarterback.

Kanell signed with Denver in the off-season and was released Sept. 1.

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Al LoCasale, longtime executive assistant to Oakland Raider owner Al Davis, retired.

LoCasale joined the Raiders in 1969 after stints as the director of player personnel for the Los Angeles and San Diego Chargers and the first personnel director of the Cincinnati Bengals.

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The Cleveland Browns released quarterback Josh Booty.... The San Diego Chargers cut cornerback Tay Cody and signed rookie receiver Grant Mattos from the practice squad to the active roster.