Friday Roundup: Vick to Philly, Tiger atop PGA and Daly withdraws

Sorry UFL fans, Michael Vick is back in the NFL. Thursday the Philadelphia Eagles gave Michael Vick a second chance in the NFL, signing the former Falcon to a two-year contract. Vick will earn $1.6M this season with a $5.2M option for 2010-11. Vick cannot play in the team’s first two preseason games, though he can participate in the last two. The possibility that the maligned quarterback could be out until week 6 also remains, depending on NFL commissioner Roger Goodell’s assessment of his behavior. Vick will be allowed to practice with the team and participate in team activities during the season even if he is not allowed to play in the games. With Atlanta, Vick was a three-time Pro Bowler though he last played in 2006. Philadelphia recently extended incumbent QB Donovan McNabb’s contract and the team has two other QBs on the roster as well, leading to speculation that Vick would be used in the Wildcat formation and not compete for the starting job. Meanwhile the Eagles faced the New England Patriots last night in both teams’ first preseason game and the Pats, behind a strong showing from Tom Brady edged Philly 27-25. Brady, who is returning from a knee injury that cost him his 2008 season, threw for two touchdowns in the win.

The ACC’s No.3 team will face a new opponent in the Gator Bowl beginning with the 2010 season. Officials with the Jacksonville-based bowl have worked out an agreement with the Big 10 to take the Midwest conference’s No.4 or 5, opposed to a team from either the Big East or Big 12. The switch is contingent upon the television deal switching from CBS to ESPN. Also the payout is rumored to be increasing from $2.25 to $3M.

With no major win to his name this season, Tiger Woods made an early move in 2009′s PGA Championship, carding a 67 to lead at -5. Defending champion Padraig Harrington played with Tiger and is one back at -4. Hunter Mahan is sitting at -3 while Phil Mickleson is +2. John Daly withdrew from the year’s final majorafter finishing with two straight double-bogeys for a 78. He cited a back injury as the reason for the withdrawal.