NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has conditionally reinstated Michael Vick, who recently completed a jail term for funding an illegal dogfighting operation called “Bad Newz Kennels.” The story is a big one from a league perspective, but it won’t have a major effect on your fantasy drafts.

Vick is now immediately eligible to participate in preseason practices, workouts and meetings. He also can play in the final two preseason games for the team that signs him. But as it stands, no one has shown interest in signing the talented but controversial quarterback.

In the event that he does find a new NFL home, Vick will be allowed to participate in all team activities except games. He will be considered for full reinstatement by Week 6 (Oct. 18-19).

Once considered an attractive fantasy quarterback, Vick’s off-the-field problems will make him more of an afterthought in 2009 drafts. Even if a team brings him aboard, Vick isn’t guaranteed a chance to start.

Considering he can’t even play in a regular-season game before mid-October, Vick is more likely to be signed as a backup quarterback or an alternative option in a Wildcat-type offensive formation.

There will no doubt be some fantasy leaguers out there who try to look clever and take Vick with a late-round flier, looking for that “oooh” response from his fellow owners. But the move won’t bear fruit in 2009.

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