Michael Vick to play Thursday

For the last two weeks, Michael Vick has been the talk of this and a lot of other towns.

Now, he's actually going to play.

Eagles coach Andy Reid confirmed after practice yesterday that the quarterback will be in uniform for tomorrow night's exhibition game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lincoln Financial Field.

Exactly how or when Reid plans to use Vick remained a mystery.

"We'll just see how we use Michael," the coach said.

Asked about his specific plans for Vick, Reid wouldn't reveal anything.

"Well, I can't tell you that," he said. "He'll be in there."

Reading between the lines, it sounds as if Reid might use Vick exclusively in the Wildcat formation rather than at the traditional quarterback spot. The coach said he had no qualms about showing the Wildcat formation in a preseason game.

Reid said the Eagles' first-team offense is scheduled to play the first three quarters, but that kind of statement is always subject to change. A week ago against the Indianapolis Colts, Donovan McNabb was scheduled to play two quarters, but he left after one.

Kevin Kolb, who hasn't played yet this preseason because of a sprained knee ligament, is scheduled to play the fourth quarter against the Jaguars. Reid said Vick will not play at all in that quarter.

The three-time Pro Bowl quarterback will be on the field for the first time since he was released from prison and conditionally reinstated by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. Vick last played in the Atlanta Falcons' 2006 season finale against the Eagles at the Linc.

"He's an exciting player to watch, and I'm glad he's on our team," receiver Kevin Curtis said. "He can do a lot of good things with that ball in his hands, and hopefully we'll see that this week."

Under the terms of his reinstatement, Vick wasn't eligible to play in the Eagles' second preseason game last week at Indianapolis. His signing was announced in the middle of the Eagles' exhibition opener against New England and stoked immediate debate about the team's decision.

Vick also can play in the Eagles' exhibition finale Sept. 3 at the New York Jets, but it's unclear when he will be reinstated for the regular season. Goodell has said he will make a determination about Vick's status before Week 6.