NFL Training Camp Capsules: AP Source: Vick could get first snap

PHILADELPHIA — Michael Vick could be on the field for the first play from scrimmage if the circumstances are right.

Philadelphia has a set series of plays designed for Vick, according to a person familiar with the Eagles’ offensive game plan who requested anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss it.

ESPN first reported the quarterback would play in the first quarter.

Eagles coach Andy Reid, who’s known for using the element of surprise, has said he plans to use Vick during the first three quarters with the rest of the first-team offense. It’s possible Vick will run a wildcat formation or be under center right away if the Eagles are in the red zone.

During early warmups, well before fans were allowed into the stadium, Vick threw passes to a variety of teammates. His demeanor was far more serious than starting quarterback Donovan McNabb, who was joking around and even displaying to Vick the proper way to get two feet inbound when catching a pass.

Dressed in his game pants and a black warmup top, Vick exchanged a few fist bumps with teammates. He and McNabb both hugged former NFL coach Herman Edwards, who was on hand as a TV commentator, as the players headed off the field.

By then, a few dozen fans were in the stands, including a handful wearing No. 7 Vick jerseys or shirts. His head down as he headed into the tunnel, Vick did not acknowledge the fans.

Philly animal lovers holding event for Vick debut

PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia animal lovers are trying to take the spotlight off Michael Vick and put it on dogs in need of homes.

The Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is holding a tailgate party with more than a dozen dogs, including two pit bulls rescued from a Philadelphia dogfighting ring.

Vick is slated to make his debut with the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday night in a preseason game against Jacksonville. The three-time Pro Bowl quarterback signed with the team after serving 18 months in prison for his role in leading a dogfighting ring.

Animal welfare officials say the event is intended to raise awareness of dogfighting. They say the 2nd Chance Dogs campaign will offer rescued pit bulls the kind of second chance Vick is getting.


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Philadelphia Dog Lovers to Tailgate Elsewhere

Philadelphia Eagles tailgaters will be out in force long before Michael Vick takes the field Thursday. So will animal advocates — on the other side of town.
Dog lovers are holding a competing tailgate party for the 2nd Chance Dogs campaign, a pointed reference to Vick’s second chance in the N.F.L. — to increase awareness of dogfighting and encourage adoption of rescued pit bulls.

The initiative, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, was launched after the Eagles signed Vick, who served 18 months in prison for running a dogfighting ring.

“As a lot of people have pointed out, the animals never got a second chance,” the S.P.C.A. chief executive Sue Cosby said. “We need to speak for them.”

For Cosby, Vick’s arrival in Philadelphia has put a needed spotlight on the types of cruelty cases her agency deals with every day — and that is where she wants it: on the dogs, not on the dogfighter.

The signing of Vick two weeks ago sparked protests from fans and animal lovers.

Dogfighting is still a problem in Philadelphia, where authorities broke up another ring Sunday after finding two dead pit bulls and several others injured during a house raid.


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