The Associated Press

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. - Michael Vick wants to keep the Houston Texans guessing, so he sidestepped how much he'll play in his season debut Sunday.

Doug Johnson will start at quarterback when the Falcons (2-9) visit Houston (4-7), but Atlanta's primary focus will be on Vick, the budding superstar who broke his right leg and hasn't played since the second week of preseason.

"I feel like if I have to play, I'll play," Vick said Friday.

After 15 weeks, during which the Falcons became the first NFC team eliminated from playoff contention, Vick has declared himself ready to return from a broken leg.

That provides a much-needed dose of levity for a team that has lost nine of its last 10 games. Barring a setback at Houston, Vick will start next week against Carolina.

Coach Dan Reeves acknowledged that Vick lobbied for more snaps in practice this week and probably will do the same in Houston.

Leading receiver Peerless Price, acquired in trade from Buffalo, can't wait to get Vick in the huddle.

"That's one of the main reasons I came here was to play with Mike," Price said. "The season hasn't gone the way I wanted it to, but it feels good to be out there catching balls from him right now."

BEARS: Kordell Stewart will start at quarterback in place of Chris Chandler, who has a sore shoulder.

Stewart started the season but was replaced by Chandler after the Bears went 1-4; Chicago is 3-3 since. Stewart is 82-for-159 for 792 yards, four TDs and a 55.9 rating.

BROWNS: Right guard Paul Zukauskas will miss Sunday's game at Seattle because his mother is ill.

VIKINGS: Wide receiver Randy Moss was fined $5,000 by the NFL for spiking a ball at the foot of Detroit cornerback Dre' Bly Sunday, and defensive end Kenny Mixon was fined $5,000 for roughing Lions quarterback Joey Harrington.

TEXANS: Tony Banks will make his second consecutive start in place of David Carr, who is hindered by a sprained right shoulder.

Also, Pro Bowl defensive end Gary Walker will miss the rest of the season because of an inflamed right big toe.

BILLS: Quarterback Drew Bledsoe experienced a few lingering post-concussion symptoms after practice but still intends to start Sunday against the Giants.

"I feel a little fuzzy, but I'm going to go and play," Bledsoe said.

Bledsoe left in the middle of Wednesday's practice and missed Thursday's session after complaining of dizziness, nausea and headaches.

COLTS: Peyton Manning threw without pain at practice and coach Tony Dungy thinks the quarterback will be ready to face AFC East-leading New England Sunday. Manning had limited practices after feeling a twinge in his right elbow Wednesday.

GIANTS: Tight end Jeremy Shockey (sprained left knee) and left tackle Luke Petitgout (sore back) did not practice, but coach Jim Fassel is hopeful they will play Sunday against Buffalo.

DOLPHINS: Reserve cornerback Jamar Fletcher broke his arm Thursday against Dallas and could miss the rest of the season.

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