NEW YORK (AP) — NFL commissioner Roger Goodell says Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick is eligible to play beginning in the third game of the regular season.
Goodell met with Vick for 45 minutes Thursday before announcing his decision. Vick, recently signed by the Eagles, played in last week's exhibition game and was expected to play against the New York Jets on Thursday night.
Previously, Goodell said he would consider Vick for full reinstatement by no later than Week 6.
Vick was released from federal custody July 20 after serving 18 months of a 23-month sentence for his role in running a dogfighting ring.
"I think he's making real progress," Goodell said. "I think he has a better feel for the challenges ahead of him."
ESPN.com first reported the Goodell-Vick meeting.
The Eagles told The Associated Press that the commissioner met with Vick at the team hotel near the Newark airport.
A three-time Pro Bowl pick during six seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, Vick was a surprise signing by the Eagles on Aug. 13. He received a one-year deal for $1.6 million with a team option for a second year at $5.2 million.
Vick started practicing with the Eagles on Aug. 15, but did not travel with the team to its second preseason game a week later in Indianapolis because he could not play.
He played six snaps in Philadelphia's game against Jacksonville last week, lining up at quarterback and receiver. He completed all four of his pass attempts, but the Eagles offense scored just three points in the possessions he played.
The Eagles plan to use Vick in their version of the wildcat offense, and coach Andy Reid has stated that Kevin Kolb remains the backup to Donovan McNabb.
Vick's familiarity with the West Coast offense has expedited his learning process with Philadelphia. He's said that he's content doing whatever he can to help the team win and wants to learn from McNabb how to become a better QB.
While McNabb is an excellent scrambler, he prefers being a pocket passer. Vick always has been far more inclined to take off and run than stay in the pocket and find an open receiver. His career completion percentage is only 53.8 percent, and he has more career 100-yard rushing games (8) than 250-yard passing games (among the lowest for a starting NFL quarterback. Vick has 71 career touchdown passes, but 52 interceptions.
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AP Sports Writer Rob Maaddi in Philadelphia contributed to this report.
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