MKRob Sports

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick was moved from the team’s exempt list to the 53-man roster on Tuesday, allowing him to practice with his team mates when they resume training on Wednesday.

Vick, released from jail in May after being handed a 23-month prison sentence in 2007 for bankrolling a dog-fighting ring, is eligible to play in the third game of the league’s regular season.

In a related move, the Eagles released wide receiver Hank Baskett to make room for Vick, the team said in a statement.

Vick played in the last two pre-season games but his suspension rules him out of NFL action until Philadelphia host the Kansas City Chiefs at Lincoln Financial Field on September 27.

Until then, the team will be under pressure to cover a sudden shortage at quarterback.

Starting quarterback Donovan McNabb suffered a fractured rib in the opening day win over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday and is in doubt for the next game away to the New Orleans Saints.

With only Kevin Kolb available for that game, free agent quarterback Jeff Garcia was signed by the Eagles as a back-up on a one-year deal on Monday.

“It is a unique situation because Michael is suspended and Donovan’s banged up,” Eagles head coach Andy Reid said. “We don’t know how long Donovan’s going to be and at the same time we need a second quarterback in there this weekend.”

Vick, the first overall pick in the 2001 draft, was once one of the NFL’s most popular and exciting players before his stunning fall from grace unfolded in 2007.