ATLANTA (AP) – Atlanta Falcons star Michael Vick fractured his right fibula Saturday night during an exhibition game against Baltimore, and a team source told The Associated Press the quarterback will be sidelined at least six weeks.

The source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Vick wouldn’t have surgery. If he’s out six weeks, he’ll miss the first four games of the regular season, and would return Oct. 5 against Minnesota.

Philadelphia quarterback Donovan McNabb had a similar injury last year and was out two months.

Vick was chased out of the pocket on a third-down play late in the first quarter and was tackled by Adalius Thomas. Vick fell awkwardly on his right leg and grabbed it even before he hit the ground.

Thomas, after briefly celebrating the tackle, went back to check on Vick and several of Vick’s teammates knelt beside him.

When it was apparent he was hurt, a hush came over the crowd at the Georgia Dome.

After he was examined by the Falcons’ medical staff, Vick got up with some help and limped a few steps to a cart. The crowd gave him a standing ovation as he was driven to the locker room.

Vick got off to a rough start against the Ravens, getting sacked on the first play and throwing an interception on the next one. He finished 0-for-4, and rushed for 8 yards.

Last season, he made the Pro Bowl in his first full season as a starter and set three NFL records for rushing by a quarterback.

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Associated Press writer George Henry also contributed to this report.

AP-ES-08-16-03 2156EDT