Vick will be dressed and ready to go Sunday

PHILADELPHIA -- Superman. The Wildcat Originator. Michael Vick has the nicknames ready. All he needs is a chance to play.

After spending 18 months in federal prison and sitting out the first two games as the final league penalty for his role in a dogfighting ring, Vick is eligible to play his first regular-season game in 33 months when the Philadelphia Eagles host the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.

The three-time Pro Bowl quarterback from Newport News and Virginia Tech was so excited yesterday he ran full speed in the morning walkthrough.

"I've been watching football from afar the last two years and this is a dream come true to me," Vick said.

His role is uncertain because the Eagles have a complicated situation at quarterback. Donovan McNabb did not practice yesterday because of a broken rib, which forced him to miss last Sunday's 48-22 loss to New Orleans.

Kevin Kolb would make his second consecutive start if McNabb, injured in the season opener at Carolina, can't play against the Chiefs. Kolb made his first NFL start against the Saints, throwing for 391 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions in the loss.

Coach Andy Reid isn't sure whether Vick or Jeff Garcia would be the backup quarterback. Reid wouldn't even say that Vick will play against Kansas City. Vick said he will be in uniform, so that means he'll at least serve as the No.3 QB.

"One thing we do know is I'm going to be dressed up, so that's a great opportunity," Vick said. "This is Andy's team. He's a smart guy. He knows what to do. And when he comes up with the game plan, if it doesn't include me, I'm cool. But, I will make sure that, mentally, I'm aware of what's going on and I'm ready in case something happens. You never know what can happen."

When he plays, Vick is expected to run Philadelphia's version of the wildcat offense. The Eagles used that formation nine times against the Saints with wide receivers DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin and running back Brian Westbrook taking turns handling the ball. Westbrook even threw an incomplete pass to Leonard Weaver at the goal line.

Vick is quite familiar with a nontraditional offensive style. In his six seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, he was known more for his running ability than his passing skills. He holds several rushing records for QBs, including yards in a season (1,039) and career 100-yard games (eight).

"I was the wildcat originator, so it's not foreign territory to me," Vick said. "It's just about making the right decisions and just playing football. It's almost like backyard ball, but it's become quite immense in this league now. Everybody's doing it, so I'm excited about my role."

Vick's attitude and demeanor have changed dramatically since he last played, but he plans on being the same player once he gets on the field. It just may take a while for No.7 to be the same guy who used to make defenses look silly with his dazzling moves and powerful arm.

"I'm still going to be aggressive. Nothing is going to change about me on the field," Vick said. "I'm still going to be that same player, try to be dynamic in whatever way I can, not doing too much. I understand Superman may not be ready to return as of right now, but he will in the future."