Michael Vick Set to Play in Week 3 of the Regular Season

NFL News - September 4th, 2009 - Written by Scott

Michael Vick will be back on the field earlier that expected.  After a 45 minute meeting with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on Thursday morning and another conversation with Vick's mentor, Tony Dungy, Goodell announced that Vick can return in week 3 of the season.  Dungy has been assisting the commissioner with his decision on reinstating Vick.  His first action of the regular season will be on September 27 against the Kansas City Chiefs.  Goodell had this to say.

"Hopefully we can have a success story here, which would be good for society in general," Goodell said. "He's realistic about the challenges ahead. And anxious to play football."

In Vick's second game of the preseason, the Philadelphia Eagles lost to the New York Jets 38-27.  During the first half, Vick was in and out of the line up and with every entrance onto the field, was greeted with a host of boos from Jets fans.  Vick saw extensive playing time and played fairly well.  He had a two yard touchdown run, but did lose a fumble and had an interception.  He finished the night with 7 rushes for 35 yards.  He also completed 7 of 11 passes for 26 yards and was sacked four times.  Vick was in on 6 plays in his first game with the Eagles and completed all four of his pass attempts.

Vick's meeting on Thursday morning with Goodell, in which head coach Andy Reid was also in attendance, was another chance to show the commissioner that he has in fact has been doing the right things and showed that he was remorseful for his involvement in the dog fighting circle.  On another note, Vick had been seen with an alcoholic beverage in the hotel he was staying at, but Goodell added that this was not a violation of his probation.

"It highlights the tremendous microscope this man is under," Goodell said. "He understands he has little margin for error. It served as a useful lesson."

Vick signed a one year contract with the Eagles on August 13 for $1.6 million and a team option for a second year at $5.2 million.  What his impact on the playing field will be has still yet to be seen.  Reid has said that it will take a little time for Vick to get back to game speed.  He will be used in their version of the wildcat offense and is committed to do whatever it takes to help the Eagles.  Despite Vick being a three time Pro Bowler, Kevin Kolb still is listed as Donavan McNabb's back up.  What seemed to be a controversial decision by Eagle fans on signing Vick, has not had the negative impact from protesters that was expected.  Vick has no choice but to walk a straight line from here on out to keep the support from the fans and more importantly, from the league.  Only time will tell if this marriage with the Eagles will turn out to be a story book ending.

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