Michael Vick is Reinstated

Well, it’s much sooner than many NFL experts had assumed but Michael Vick will be eligible to suit up with the Philadelphia Eagles in week 3 of this upcoming NFL season.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell made the announcement Thursday afternoon that the Eagles quarterback Michael Vick will be eligible to play when Kansas City comes to town. I’m sure the Cheifs will be thrilled.

This in an interesting week to comeback as the following week the eagles have a bye before Tampa Bay comes to town in week 5.

Goodell and Vick met on Thursday morning to discuss when Vick might be reinstated and clearly the meeting went well. Goodell then consulted with Vick's mentor, former Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy, for another 45 minutes and the decision was made.

Vick went through a much publicized fall from grace and spent 18 months of a 23-month prison sentence for his role in running a dogfighting ring in Virginia. He was released on July 20 th and began practicing with the Eagles on August 15 th but it was unsure when he would be able to suit up for the team in the regular season until today.

Some of the topics that were no doubt raised during their meeting on Thursday surrounded Vick's past experiences and why he got involved in dogfighting. Apparently Vick proved to be remorseful enough to warrant an “early” reinstatement.

Goodell also mentioned that he did discuss with Vick the report that he was seen drinking a vodka beverage at the hotel where he was staying but Goodell ruled it was not a violation of his probation.

It came as no surprise that the Eagles were heavily criticized by animal rights activists for signing Vick, and dozens of protesters voiced their outrage outside the team's practice facility the day after he signed. But judging by the fans reactions the first time he stepped on the field, the people of Philadelphia are extremely happy to have Vick representing the Eagles franchise.

So far this preseason he’s been involved in six snaps, all coming in a game against Jacksonville last week. So far, he’s lined up at quarterback and receiver, he completed all four of his pass attempts and was stuffed when he was called on an option play, one that appeared he should have optioned rather than keeping.

The Eagles take on the New York Jets in their final preseason matchup tonight and Vick has stated himself that he is still trying to get into “game shape”. Andy Reid will most likely let him scramble on some designed runs to still if he still has the electric quicks.

For the Betting Lines on this game check out the BetUS Sportsbook, your number one NFL Football sports betting site.