Vick is cheered in return

All eyes were on Michael Vick -- for all of six plays.

Playing his first NFL game since his release from prison, the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback got a standing ovation from the home crowd, avoided any ugly protests and completed four passes for 19 yards.

“It’s been a long journey for me,” Vick said. “I just want to do it right this time around.”

Though his minutes were limited Thursday night, Vick was ready to take on any assignment. He played quarterback, ran the Wildcat formation, even lined up at wide receiver and completed a pass right-handed.

The Eagles even won the exhibition, beating the Jacksonville Jaguars, 33-32, on David Akers’ 34-yard field goal in the final minute. Vick’s return overshadowed a somewhat sloppy effort by an Eagles team that has Super Bowl aspirations.

Philadelphia Coach Andy Reid didn’t wait long to use Vick. The three-time Pro Bowl quarterback jogged onto the field for the second play from scrimmage, lining up as a wide receiver, and got a hearty welcome from the notoriously tough Philadelphia fans.

“When I was running out onto the field I was listening to see what the reaction was going to be,” Vick said. “I was very pleased. I really didn’t expect that reaction, but I was very thankful.”

All of Vick’s plays came in the first 18 minutes. He completed all four of his passes, ran for one yard and lined up in the slot for one play.

Vick hadn’t played in an NFL game since Dec. 31, 2006, with the Atlanta Falcons. He was released from federal custody July 20 after serving 18 months of a 23-month sentence for his role in running a dogfighting ring.

Early in the day, Vick traveled to Virginia, where a federal judge approved his six-year plan to repay creditors $20 million and emerge from bankruptcy. He then hustled out of court to return to Philadelphia.

“It was mentally draining,” Vick said.

Other games

Kyle Boller completed 14 of 20 passes for 96 yards and a touchdown to lead the St. Louis Rams past the host Cincinnati Bengals, 24-21.

In Tampa, Fla., Chad Pennington led a drive that produced a field goal just before halftime, then led a long touchdown drive in the third quarter as the Miami Dolphins beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 10-6.

Marshall out

Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall appears unlikely to make his preseason debut in Sunday night’s game against the Chicago Bears after missing practice again.

Marshall, who had off-season hip surgery, has missed most of the team’s training camp with a hamstring problem. He also has requested a trade after clashing with the organization and new Coach Josh McDaniels over his desire for a new contract.