"Since he started playing Pop Warner football in the Tidewater region of Virginia more than 20 years ago, Michael Vick figures he's probably been hit six million times playing football.

"Getting knocked to the ground is something I'm accustomed to," said Vick after Thursday's practice at the NovaCare Complex. "It's nothing."

So while his ribs may still be sore, Vick sees no reason why he wouldn't be the starting quarterback Sunday afternoon (4:15) against the Jets.

"The injury problem I have is rough, but I can tolerate it," said Vick, who sat out Wednesday's workout. "I feel like I'm getting better. I'm ready to go play a good game of football."

Offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg said he expects Vick to play, although Mornhinweg also "expected him to play four weeks ago."

Vick completed 15 of 30 passes for 208 yards, with one touchdown and one interception in Sunday's 26-10 victory over the Dolphins in Miami after sitting out three games with a rib injury.

Jets coach Rex Ryan said Wednesday that preparing to face Vick is difficult because he has such a unique skill set among NFL quarterbacks.

"He's explosive and can throw a strawberry through a battleship," Ryan said.

Vick has been much less effective in 2011 than he had been in his first year as a starter.

Vick's 12 TDs, 12 interceptions and 78.9 passer rating are considerably off his 2010 totals of 21 TDs, six interceptions and 100.2 passer rating."