PHILADELPHIA - As much as he tried to hide his disappointment upon being demoted last week, Eagles quarterback Michael Vick clearly wanted to play again this season.
He will get the opportunity on Sunday. With rookie Nick Foles out with a broken hand, Vick will be the starter in the Eagles' regular-season finale against the New York Giants.
"I'm excited about the opportunity," Vick said Wednesday before practice. "I wanted to get that feeling back of what it's like to be behind the center and in control. As a quarterback, I love being in control and I missed it."
Vick had not been in control since Nov. 11, when he suffered a concussion in the first half against Dallas. Foles took over and started the next six games. He was also set to start against the Giants before suffering a hairline fracture on his right (throwing) hand against Washington last Sunday.
Vick was medically cleared to play against the Redskins, but was demoted to third string and deactivated. Reid said Wednesday that Vick actually received some "razzing" by his teammates while standing on the sideline in a warmup suit.
Vick's status for next season is uncertain. He is due to make $15.5 million. If he returns to the Eagles, he would have to take a drastic pay cut. Otherwise, he'll be released and free to sign with another team.
"I'm not putting any pressure on myself to try to put on a great performance (against the Giants)," Vick said. "I know what I can do and I'm truly confident in my ability."
The Eagles placed Foles on injured reserve Wednesday and filled his roster spot by re-signing defensive tackle Antonio Dixon to a two-year deal.
Dixon was with the Eagles from 2009-11. He missed most of last season with a torn triceps. Dixon was released after the preseason this year after falling out of favor with ex-defensive line coach Jim Washburn. He played spent three weeks with Indianapolis before getting cut in October and has been waiting for another chance.
"I'm surprised to be back a little bit, but I'm really happy," Dixon said. "You just never know what can happen in this league."
Dixon will likely play against the Giants since rookie defensive tackle Fletcher Cox is sidelined with a concussion. Rookie linebacker Mychal Kendricks is also out with a concussion.
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