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NFL reinstates Michael Vick; can't play until at least Week 6

The NFL has conditionally reinstated Michael Vick.

Vick will not be eligible to play until Week 6 during the regular season and can play in the final two preseason games. His eligibility to play in Week 6 will be based on him following the NFL's guidelines that will oversee his off-field life, including his finances and personal relationships.

Former Colts coach Tony Dungy will serve as a mentor to Vick, who last Monday finished a 20-month sentence for a federal dogfighting conviction, during the conditional reinstatement.

Vick is free to sign with any club. Vick is eligible to participate in any team activities other than games before Week 6, although the NFL will develop specific guidelines governing Vick.

In a statement to the AP, Vick thanked commissioner Roger Goodell for the second chance.

"I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to commissioner Goodell for allowing me to be readmitted to the National Football League," Vick said. "I fully understand that playing football in the NFL is a privilege, not a right, and I am truly thankful for the opportunity I have been given.

"As you can imagine, the last two years have given me time to re-evaluate my life, mature as an individual and fully understand the terrible mistakes I have made in the past and what type of life I must lead moving forward."

Goodell will reevaluate Vick's status prior to Week 6.

Said the commissioner in a letter to Vick, "My decision at that time will be based on reports from outside professionals, your probation officer, and others charged with supervising your activities, the quality of your work outside football, the absence of any further adverse involvement in law enforcement, and other concrete actions that you take that are consistent with your representations to me."

Where Vick might sign is unknown. No teams have yet said they are considering signing him.

By USAToday Sports
NFL conditionally reinstates Michael Vick - The Huddle - USATODAY.com

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