McNabb: Vick can play QB if it helps

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Here’s a scenario that must have defensive coordinators scrambling to their chalkboards: Donovan McNabb and Michael Vick on the field together.

Though Vick has spent his three practice days with the Philadelphia Eagles playing quarterback, it’s more likely he’ll see most of his action in a nontraditional offense. With his speed and powerful arm, Vick is an ideal candidate to run a variation of the Wildcat formation.

Eagles coach Andy Reid isn’t revealing any secrets, but McNabb said Monday he wouldn’t mind if Vick took some of his snaps.

“I wouldn’t have a problem with it if it’s helping us win,” McNabb said.

If Vick lines up behind center, McNabb won’t necessarily be watching from the sideline.

“I’ll be a receiver. I might be a tight end. I might be a running back,” he said with a smile. “You never know where I’ll be.”

It’s uncertain whether the Eagles would risk putting McNabb at an unfamiliar position and expose him to the defense. But it’s clear that Vick was brought in to add a different dimension to the offense, not to push McNabb for a starting job.

“Coach will think of something,” McNabb said.

So far, Vick has been mostly an observer at practice. He gradually works in behind McNabb, A.J. Feeley and undrafted rookie Adam DiMichele. McNabb’s backup, Kevin Kolb, is out with a knee injury.

Vick took nine snaps in team drills during a nearly two-hour session Monday afternoon. He completed 3 of 6 passes and handed off three times. Vick’s best throw came on his only play during seven-on-sevens when he fired a 25-yard completion to wide receiver Danny Amendola.

Again, Vick was the last player to leave the field. He spent 20 minutes working with offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg and two assistants after practice.

McNabb has been impressed with what he’s seen from Vick on the practice field and in the film room.

“He’s done a great job. You have to be excited about his work ethic and attitude,” McNabb said. “I see a guy doing whatever it takes to turn his life around. He’s going through the proper channels.”

McNabb said he first lobbied the Eagles to sign Vick a month ago. He said he approached Reid with the suggestion even before Vick was released from federal custody after serving 18 months of a 23-month sentence for his role in torturing animals and running a dogfighting operation.