QB Vick begins jail time

Michael Vick surrendered to US marshals yesterday in Richmond, Va., and will remain in jail until his sentencing on a dogfighting charge in three weeks.

The Atlanta Falcons quarterback is scheduled to be sentenced Dec. 10 but turned himself in because he anticipates a prison term on the federal dogfighting conspiracy charge, according to a court document. Vick could be sentenced to up to five years in prison.

"From the beginning, Mr. Vick has accepted responsibility for his actions, and his self-surrender further demonstrates that acceptance," Billy Martin, one of Vick's lawyers, said in a statement.

Vick is being held at Northern Neck Regional Jail in Warsaw until his sentencing, US marshals told the Associated Press. The mixed-gender facility houses about 450 inmates.

Vick's decision to begin serving time before sentencing was approved by the judge and Vick's lawyers.

Ronald Bacigal, a University of Richmond law professor who specializes in criminal law and criminal procedure, said there are no real direct legal benefits to Vick's decision to turn himself in before sentencing. "I would think he's purely thinking about timing as far as when he can get back to his football," he said.

McNabb day-to-day

Donovan McNabb's knee is getting better. His ankle and thumb are the problems now. The five-time Pro Bowl quarterback is uncertain to play for the Eagles at New England Sunday because of a sprained right ankle and swollen thumb. "I'm as worried about the thumb as I am the ankle, maybe a little bit more because that's what he's gripping the football with," coach Andy Reid said. "We'll see how he does this week. Both are day-to-day situations." . . . Ricky Williams's latest comeback formally began with some weightlifting and meetings with teammates. He'll practice for the first time tomorrow, and it's possible the enigmatic running back could play next Monday when the winless Dolphins visit the Steelers . . . Middle linebacker Mike Peterson, who leads the Jaguars with 116 tackles, broke his right hand in Sunday's 24-17 win over the Chargers and may be lost for the rest of the season . . . Quarterback J.P. Losman will get his fourth straight start, at Jacksonville Sunday, when Buffalo could again be without top offensive threat Marshawn Lynch (sprained left ankle) . . . 49ers quarterback Alex Smith plans to get a second opinion on his injured throwing arm from Dr. James Andrews, coach Mike Nolan said . . . Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren said quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (sore ribs) is unlikely to practice this week before NFC West-leading Seattle travels to St. Louis Sunday, but he will start against the Rams.

Peterson still ailing

The Vikings probably will be without star running back Adrian Peterson (league-high 1,081 yards rushing) for at least another week. Peterson was sent to work out in a swimming pool yesterday for continued rehab on his injured right knee . . . For the first time this season, injuries are going to force Giants coach Tom Coughlin to juggle his starting lineup at more than one position. Not only was strongside linebacker Mathias Kiwanuka likely lost for the season because of a broken left leg in the 16-10 win over the Lions Sunday, starting halfback Brandon Jacobs was knocked out because of a pulled left hamstring . . . NFL officials are investigating whether Packers players offered payments to teammates for achieving specific defensive goals . . . Buccaneers linebacker Cato June, who turned 28 Sunday, was arrested early yesterday in Tampa, Fla., and charged with driving under the influence several hours after the team returned from a win in Atlanta . . . Jim Ringo, a Hall of Fame center who played 15 seasons for the Packers and Eagles, died yesterday morning in Chesapeake, Va., after a short illness. He was two days shy of his 76th birthday. Former Packers teammate Willie Davis said Ringo had been battling Alzheimer's. Obituary, Page A15.