Vick hits the field for Eagles practice

From combined dispatches

Wearing a No. 7 red quarterback’s jersey, Michael Vick completed his first pass, shared a laugh with Donovan McNabb and got a handshake from the offensive coordinator.

Back on an NFL practice field for the first time since completing his prison sentence, Vick took part in limited drills with the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday.

He was the fourth quarterback to line up under center in the early portion of the practice. Vick took only one snap and tossed a short pass over the middle without a defense on the field. He playfully pumped his fist before McNabb, who lobbied the Eagles to sign Vick, gave him a man-hug.

In the morning walkthrough, Vick worked with the scout team offense.

“We have to get him in football shape,” Eagles coach Andy Reid said.

Reid said Vick was fit enough to handle an NFL practice and that the team would bring him along accordingly.

Vick practiced only at quarterback in the morning session, Reid said.

“That’s what Michael is,” he said. “Michael’s a quarterback.”

A three-time Pro Bowl pick during six seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, Vick served 18 months in federal prison for running a dogfighting ring and was reinstated last month by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being out since 2006.

With McNabb firmly entrenched as Philadelphia’s starter and Kevin Kolb backing him up, Vick may be used more as a gimmick player than a traditional quarterback. He has the athletic skills to run the Wildcat formation.

“There’s always the possibility you can do something,” Reid said.

Also, running back Brian Westbrook returned to practice for the first time since offseason ankle surgery.

One of the Eagles’ most important players lined up in the backfield with the first-team offense. He had surgery to remove scar tissue and bone fragments from his right ankle in June. He initially hurt the ankle last season in Week 3 against Pittsburgh.

RAVENS: Wide receiver Marcus Smith will undergo season-ending right knee surgery after tearing his right ACL in Thursday’s game against Washington.

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