NEW YORK — Michael Vick got the green light for full reinstatement in the NFL on Thursday when commissioner Roger Goodell said the disgraced quarterback could play this month instead of waiting until October.
Vick, recently signed by the Eagles, will be able to play in the Sept. 27 game at home against the Chiefs. It would be his first regular-season game since he was sent to prison for his role in operating a dogfighting ring. The former Falcons star was released from federal custody July 20 after serving 18 months of a 23-month sentence.
Originally, Goodell said he would consider Vick for reinstatement no later than the sixth week of the season — Oct. 18.
“He understands he has very little margin for error,” Goodell said.
Vick was hardly dynamic in a 38-27 loss to the Jets — his first significant action in three years. Vick ran for a 2-yard touchdown, but was sacked four times, lost a fumble and was intercepted. He finished 7-for-11 for 26 yards, and carried the ball seven times for 35 yards.
Meanwhile, Goodell said he foresees an uncapped 2010 season as the league and the players’ union negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement.
Buccaneers fire offensive coordinator
TAMPA, Fla. — Former Boston College coach Jeff Jagodzinski was fired as offensive coordinator of the Buccaneers, who have been unhappy with the progress of their passing game.
Quarterbacks coach Greg Olson was promoted to Jagodzinski’s role and will take over playcalling. Jagodzinski was hired in January, three weeks after being dismissed by Boston College for pursuing an NFL head coaching job.
Footnotes.
Running back Tatum Bell, who rushed for 249 yards and two touchdowns on 44 carries last season with the Broncos, and receiver Koren Robinson signed with the Florida Tuskers of the new United Football League.
• Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew left Jacksonville’s game against Washington with a bruised right leg.
• Bears running back Kevin Jones left Chicago’s preseason finale against the Browns with a left ankle injury.
• Saints tight end Billy Miller was helped off the field because of an apparent injury to his lower right leg during New Orleans’ preseason finale against the Dolphins.
The Associated Press
