nfl roundup | News and notes

Eagles: Michael Vick is glad he chose the Philadelphia Eagles, even if he had more attractive options. After telling GQ magazine that he didn’t want to come to Philadelphia to be a third-string quarterback following his release from federal prison two years ago, Vick clarified his remarks on Thursday. “I did speak with many people, but the decision to sign in Philadelphia was based on my discussions with my agent, my family and with Coach [Andy)]Reid,” Vick said in a statement released hours before the Eagles played the Steelers in a preseason game. “And after those discussions, it became clear to me that this was the place I wanted to play and resume my NFL career. The commissioner never told me to sign or not sign with particular teams. Again, I want to make it perfectly clear that this was a decision I made and, as I have said numerous times before, I’m very happy with the way it has worked out for me and my family.”

Lions: Jerome Harrison was just hanging on in the NFL in his fourth season when he finally got a shot to be a No. 1 running back for the Cleveland Browns. He made the most of the chance by running for 778 yards in seven starts during the 2009 season. “They had no other choice but to play me,” Harrison said. “There were no other running backs and I took advantage of the chance to play behind their great offensive line.” The Browns, though, weren’t impressed enough because they acquired Peyton Hillis from Denver in the Brady Quinn trade. Hillis became the featured player in the backfield last year and Harrison ran for just 91 yards over four games before getting traded to Philadelphia, where he averaged 6 yards a carry, but had just 40 over eight games. The Lions signed Harrison last week after rookie running back Mikel Leshoure tore his Achilles tendon. Detroit plays at Cleveland in a preseason game tonight. “I’ll just be happy when we get to leave,” Harrison said. “The guys, the city and the fans were great to me and I’ll leave it at that.”

Bengals: Rookie receiver A.J. Green fully participated in the Bengals’ practice Thursday, a day after he was forced to the sideline by a leg injury. The first-round pick from Georgia was kicked by the right knee during a workout, forcing him to sit out the rest of practice. He participated in all drills during the Bengals’ practice on Thursday.

Associated Press