updated 6:05 p.m. ET Oct. 12, 2005

SAN ANTONIO - Michael Vick said he expects to play Sunday against New Orleans after his sprained right knee held up in Wednesday’s practice.

“I heal pretty fast,” said the Falcons’ quarterback, who missed last week’s game against New England.

“Yes, I think I will be playing on Sunday. I have to continue to treat my knee and make sure that it is nice and sturdy when I get out there.”

Vick was held out of last week’s 31-28 loss even though he was only downgraded to questionable on the injury report the day before the game. He suffered the injury on Oct. 2 against Minnesota.

Though second-year backup Matt Schaub threw three touchdown passes with no interceptions against the Patriots, the Falcons continue to lean on Vick for wins. Coach Jim Mora said he was anxious for Vick’s return.

Slide show   NFL's leading men From Brady to Vick, the top quarterbacks who dominate pro football today

“I’ve only been here for three games that he hasn’t started, and we’re 0-3 in them,” Mora said.

Vick ranks fourth among active quarterbacks in regular-season winning percentage. In Vick’s starts, the Falcons are 26-13-1 in regular-season games. It is the best winning percentage of Atlanta quarterbacks with 20 or more starts.

“Maybe it’s just a juice or an energy,” Mora said. “All great performers have that. They lift the people around them up.”

Mora stopped short of declaring Vick the starter for Sunday’s game.

“Mike did more today than he did at any time last week,” Mora said. “We’re hopeful that by the end of the week we’ll be able to upgrade him and he can play this week, but we’ll see.”

Vick said he will push his knee more Thursday.

Schaub, who was 18 of 34 passing for 298 yards against New England, said he will continue to prepare to start.

Vick missed 11 games in 2003 with a broken leg. He said that experience has helped guide him during this recovery.

Slide show   Week in Sports Pictures Flying on the hardwood, racing on the rink, getting physical on the gridiron, and much more. more photos

“I think experiencing that two years ago really helped me as far as knowing how fast I can recover,” he said. “Getting a little bit of work last week, and just moving around, that told me I wasn’t going to be able to go out there and do what I’m capable of doing.”

Based on Wednesday’s practice, he said “I feel good, a lot better than last week.”

MORE FROM NFL

NFL Section Front

Pats-Colts is greatest NFL rivalry of 2000s   PFT: Brady recalls when he met Peyton   Slideshow: Peyton vs. Brady through the years   Video: Harrison on how Pats can beat Colts   Video: Dungy on how Colts can beat Patriots PFT: Lewis tells Ochocinco to hold the mustard T.O. misses practice because of hip injury Singletary wants to beat Bears, not reminisce PFT: Bears’ Harris won’t be suspended for punch Davis' comments puts 49ers on defensive NFL Section Front   Add NFL headlines to your news reader: