Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook returned to practice this week after having missed most of two games with a concussion. He was hit in the head by Washington Redskins linebacker London Fletcher in the first quarter of a 27-17 win back on October 26, forcing him to miss last week’s game against the N.Y. Giants. Normally, I would say the Eagles are a worse different team without the services of perhaps the best all-purpose running back in the National Football League, but they surprisingly had no problem disposing of their division rivals without Brian, 40-17.
When asked about his injury …read more

It’s official. Michael Vick is now a full-fledged member of the Philadelphia Eagles (complete with practice privileges). Michael was removed from the Eagles’ exempt list today and added him to their 53-man roster. To make room on the team, receiver Hank Baskett was released. Keep in mind that while Michael is eligible to participate when the team resumes practice tomorrow, he is not eligible to play in a game until Week 3 when the Eagles host the Kansas City Chiefs.
What’s even more interesting about Michael’s return is the state of the quarterback situation in Philly. Starter Donovan McNabb is nursing …read more

The game was all but over. And after an “icing-on-the-cake” score by Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb, he suffered a broken rib after being hit in the back (tackled) by Carolina Panthers cornerback Richard Marshall. The injury put a damper on an otherwise perfect Sunday of football as the Eagles pounded Carolina 38-10. Donovan was 10-of-18 for 79 yards and two TDs when he left the game in the third quarter.
Donovan is currently listed as doubtful for next Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints. But apparently the ultimate determining factor will be if and to what degree Donovan can …read more

National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell met with Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick for 45 minutes today and ruled that Michael will be officially eligible to play beginning in Week 3 of the 2009 season (a home game against the Kansas City Chiefs). This marks Michael’s full return to the NFL after spending almost two tears in prison for his role in running a dogfighting ring. That being said, I wasn’t sure I would ever see the day that MV would play in the NFL again. Especially not this quickly. But the process of returning to the game has been …read more

One of my favorite breakfast restaurants, IHOP (aka International House of Pancakes), has partnered with the NFL. Their “All-Pro” lineup includes AFC/NFC Stuffed French Toast, Blitz Pancakes and Quarterback Scrambles. Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald and Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb are working the commercials:

Michael Vick participated in six plays in the first half of his preseason debut with the Philadelphia Eagles tonight. He lined up at two positions—quarterback and receiver—and was 4-of-4 passing for 19 yards, one of those a 13-yard completion to receiver Hank Baskett. The Eagles seemed to lack any offensive rhythm while I watched them on NFL Network’s Live Look-In between 7 and 8 p.m. ET. That’s why it will be interesting to see how the team manages Donovan McNabb and Michael Vick this season. The two look great together on paper. But can they peacefully co-exist on the football …read more

In case you missed it, here’s the 60 Minutes Michael Vick interview which aired earlier this evening on CBS. This is half of the interview, then follow this link to 60Minutes.com to watch the rest.
After watching the interview (which, by the way, I think James Brown did an excellent job on), I had a hard time figuring out whether Michael was really upset about what he did to the dogs or just upset about what happened to his career as a result of what he did to the dogs. Nevertheless, I have changed my tune as far as forgiving …read more

It would appear that two years off has actually strengthened Michael Vick’s throwing arm. In his first practice with the Philadelphia Eagles today, MV was throwing tight spirals deep downfield as he took part in limited drills with the Eagles’ offense. In fact, receiver Danny Amendola said Michael was throwing as hard as any player he had ever seen. MV worked in one-on-ones, seven-on-sevens and red-zone offense. But he spent most of his time watching starter Donovan McNabb during the two-hour practice. Michael put in some extra time after practice, working on footwork and mechanics with Eagles OC Marty Mornhinweg. …read more

Here are the quotes from Michael Vick’s introductory presser with the Philadelphia Eagles this morning. Michael was joined by mentor Tony Dungy and Eagles head coach Andy Reid.
Michael Vick’s Opening Remarks: “First of all I would like to express my gratification to Jeff Lurie and Coach Andy Reid for making me a part of this organization and giving me an opportunity. I know, as we all know, in the past I have made some mistakes, I have done some terrible things, I made a horrible mistake. And now, I want to be part of the solution and not the problem. …read more

Michael Vick signed a one-year, $1.6 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles today. The deal includes a $5.2 million team option for 2010. The large amount of money in the option year makes it seem unlikely Michael would be in Philly more than one season. So, it’s a low-risk venture (at least financially this season) that could yield great rewards. And the future should take care of itself.
This is a surprising and interesting addition for the Eagles. Especially when you consider the team’s current quarterback situation. Donovan McNabb is supposed to make $11.2 million next season. That includes a $6.2 …read more