(Sports Network) - Michael Vick made his long-awaited debut with the Philadelphia Eagles Thursday, appearing in several different roles in the first half of the team's third preseason game against Jacksonville.

Entering the game on the first series to an applause from the Philadelphia fans at Lincoln Financial Field, Vick played quarterback, wide receiver and ran the Wildcat formation.

Vick's first play came on the Eagles' second play from scrimmage, lining up at the quarterback position, and he completed a four-yard shovel pass to LeSean McCoy.

The 29-year-old former Falcons superstar completed all four of his pass attempts for 19 yards, including a 13-yard strike to Hank Baskett on the team's second series. The catch resulted in a first down, and Philadelphia finished the drive with a field goal.

He recorded only one rushing attempt in the Wildcat formation, gaining one yard. While in the offensive setup, Eagles starting quarterback Donovan McNabb was lined up at wide receiver several times, although Vick never threw a pass his way.

Vick also lined up at wide receiver one time, but McNabb did not attempt to throw to him.

Prior to Thursday's game, Vick was in court in Newport News, Virginia to resolve his bankruptcy issues. While serving his nearly two-year prison sentence for federal dogfighting charges, Vick filed for bankruptcy protection. He owes about $20 million to various creditors, which includes part of a signing bonus to his former team, the Atlanta Falcons.

The judge approved his plan to repay his creditors, and he arrived at Lincoln Financial Field in time for pregame warmups.

There were some sparse protests and counter-rallies in support of Vick outside the stadium.

Thursday marked Vick's first appearance in an NFL game since December 31, 2006, in Philadelphia as a member of the Falcons. Formerly the league's highest-paid player, he missed the last two seasons due to his prison sentence after pleading guilty in August, 2007 to bankrolling a dogfighting operation. After his guilty plea, Vick was indefinitely suspended from the league.

He was released into home confinement on May 20, and his sentence officially ended on July 20. Vick then applied for reinstatement into the league, which NFL commissioner Roger Goodell granted him on a conditional basis. He was not permitted to play in the first two preseason games, and he will miss up to the first six weeks of the regular season based on the progress he makes in the transition plan developed for his return to league. He was allowed to participate in Thursday's preseason game and the final game before the regular season begins in addition to all other team activities.

The Eagles signed him on August 13 to a one-year deal with a team option. Several media outlets indicated the contract is worth $1.6 million in 2009 and $5.2 million in 2010 should the team exercise the option.

Vick, who is on probation for the next three years, was the face of the Falcons franchise after his selection as the top overall draft choice in 2001. He was a three-time Pro Bowl pick and twice led the Falcons to the playoffs, including a trip to the NFC title game after the 2004 season, eventually losing to the Eagles.

The versatile QB has amassed 11,505 passing yards with 71 touchdowns compared to 52 interceptions on 53.8 percent efficiency. However, he is most known for his running ability, logging 3,859 yards on the ground in addition to 21 TDs.

His 1,039 rushing yards in 2006 ranks as the most by a quarterback in a single season.

The Eagles and Falcons, who cut Vick when he was released from prison, meet on December 6 in Atlanta.





Copyright 2009 The Sports Network
All rights reserved

 Email To Friend