Vick says he will ‘definitely’ reach out to Rice

Michael Vick plans to seek out Ray Rice. (USATSI)

Jets quarterback Michael Vick knows a thing or two about NFL ex-communication. Arrested on federal dog-fighting charges 2007, Vick was out of the NFL -- mostly while in prison -- for two years. His crimes are different but he sees a similar situation in Ray Rice.

And so Vick plans to "reach out to Ray" -- who was recently given an indefinite suspension by the NFL after being released by the Ravens -- he told reporters on Wednesday.

“I'll definitely reach out to Ray," Vick said. "He still has a friend over here. Because somebody made a mistake, you just can't abandon him. You can't just walk from him or go dormant on him. You've got to encourage him."

It's almost hard to fathom now, because it feels so far removed and because Vick's had on-field success since, but when he was in prison it didn't feel like he would ever play in the NFL again.

Vick "doubted it" too.

“I doubted it. I didn't know. You've got the whole world coming at you and everybody looking at you like you're the worst person in the world," Vick said. "Obviously there's going to be some doubt there. You've just got to keep the faith, lean on the people who have always been there for you, and the people who are there to help you. I think that will get you through.”

So, to no real surprise, Vick thinks Rice "deserves a second chance" after going through the "right protocol."

“I don't know. I hope so. I think there's some things that he has to work on, some issues that he has to deal with," Vick said. "I'm pretty sure that the right protocol is going to be taken before he's reinstated.

“Obviously, I think everybody deserves a second chance—everybody, regardless of what has been done, and depending on the magnitude of the crime. I can say that. But there's going to be a grace period. We all just have to sit back and reflect on what's been done. Ray has to figure out what's best for him moving forward. I think the people in the proper positions are going to make the right decision when that time comes for him."

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Bears WRs Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery sit out Wednesday's practice



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Marshall was very fortunate to not suffer a truly serious injury as his ankle got trapped underneath a Bills defender during a tackle, forcing his body to contort awkwardly. But at least he finished the game in between a few abrupt, short exits. Jeffery didn't play at all in the fourth quarter, and I'm assuming his status is a little murkier since hamstring injuries can be very fickle and delicate. Fantasy owners should hope they can get on the practice field by Friday at the latest. Until then, we wait. If both players are unable to play Sunday night against the 49ers, tight end Martellus Bennett would likely be Cutler's top target. He caught eight passes on 10 targets for 70 yards and a score.