PHILADELPHIA — Michael Vick flicked his wrist and fired tight spirals deep downfield.
A two-year layoff sure didn’t hurt Vick’s arm strength. He showed off his skills Saturday in his first NFL practice with the Eagles since completing his prison sentence.
“He throws the ball as hard as anybody I’ve ever seen,” said wide receiver Danny Amendola, a second-year pro who spent last season on the Cowboys’ practice squad.
Wearing a No. 7 red quarterback’s jersey, Vick took part in limited drills with the offense. He worked in one-on-ones, seven-on-sevens and red- zone offense. Vick mostly observed Donovan McNabb during the two-hour session.
When he got a chance on the field, the 29-year-old made the most of it. He had plenty of zip behind his throws and completed a few deep balls, including one to rookie wideout Jeremy Maclin down the sideline.
Vick put in extra time after practice, working on footwork and mechanics with offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg. He was the last player to leave the field, jogging off with his helmet still on.
Asked how he felt, Vick replied: “Great.”
Also, running back Brian Westbrook returned to practice for the first time since offseason ankle surgery.
Footnotes.
The Saints signed veteran free-agent place-kicker John Carney, who was selected for the Pro Bowl last season after he converted 35-of-38 field-goal attempts and all 38 extra-point kicks for the Giants.
• Ravens wide receiver Marcus Smith will undergo season-ending right knee surgery after tearing his right anterior cruciate ligament in Thursday’s game against the Redskins.
• The Colts said defensive tackle Raheem Brock injured his left hand in the first half of Friday’s loss to the Vikings.
The Associated Press
