THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

PHILADELPHIA -- Michael Vick is travelling with the Philadelphia Eagles for their season opener at Carolina to get a taste of what's the team's road routine is all about.

Eagles coach Andy Reid usually does not take players, typically injured ones, on the road if they are not going to play. Reid wanted Vick, who remains on the exempt list, to become familiar with how the Eagles handle their business on trips.

"This gives him an opportunity when he steps back in to be familiar with how we do things," Reid said Friday. "It gives him an opportunity to go through the whole travelling process and the meetings, and I think that's important for where he's at right now."

Vick will not be reinstated until the third game of the season against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 27. He can't practice with the team until he is placed on the roster.

Vick will not be allowed on the sideline or in the locker room against the Panthers. He signed with Philadelphia on Aug. 13 and played in two pre-season games.

He wore a visor and a red No. 7 jersey at Friday's practice. Vick long tossed during the indoor session to pass the time while the rest of the Eagles prepared for the Panthers.

He has not played in a regular-season game since he was sent to prison for his role in operating a dogfighting ring. Vick, who only talks to the media after games, had a lengthy chat at his locker with former Eagle Ike Reese.