Vick accepts role as Kolb's understudy

Now that the Eagles have traded Donovan McNabb to Washington, Michael Vick is one play away from becoming the Eagles' starting quarterback. But Vick knows that the only way he'll step into that role is if Kevin Kolb gets hurt during the season.

Kolb is the Eagles' starter. Vick is the backup. There isn't an open competition. And from what he said Monday, Vick is cool with that.

"I look at the situation as not being part of God's plan right now," Vick said. "I think when the opportunity knocks for me to go out and [start] again, then it'll happen, and I'll be ready for it. The only thing I can do is prepare myself and make sure I'm ready to play. That's what I'm going to continue to do, and that's why I was here at 9 o'clock this morning for workouts, and I just finished throwing the ball. The goal is to continue to work hard.

"I know I still have longevity in this league. I have to look at it as a positive. I am preserving my body and continuing to go out and learn and understand the game. That's the value."

In February, Vick told Dan Patrick that "it would be fairly hard" to return to the Eagles as a backup and that he wanted to be a starter in the NFL. His contract expires after this season.

While he still wants to start, Vick said all the right things Monday about offering Kolb support and pushing him to excel. There was no dissention.

"Whatever I'm asked to do, that's what I'll be available to do," Vick said. "Andy said that Kevin is going to be the starter, so that's what it is. He's the coach, and he runs the team. That's what it's going to be. My job is to come in every day and ultimately try to get better and get myself ready for whatever role I have to play on this team, whether it's behind center at quarterback or whatever it may be."

Of Kolb, Vick said: "As a competitor, you're going to push the guy in front of you. I think that's only going to help him. Kevin is a great quarterback, and he knows how to play the game. He understands the game. The thing for him to do right now is to go out and stay poised and keep that competitive edge and continue to learn. Good things will happen for him."