NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — An agent for suspended NFL star Michael Vick told a bankruptcy court yesterday that he hopes the ex-Falcons quarterback could return to the league by September.

Joel Segal testified as part of a hearing to assess Vick’s plan to emerge from bankruptcy, which was designed with the goal of Vick returning to a professional football career. Vick, who left a federal prison in Kansas last week to travel to Virginia, was in court for the first time in the case. He is scheduled to testify today.

To return to a team, Vick still must apply to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to be reinstated. He hasn’t yet done so, Segal said, and plans first to finish his 23-month sentence for bankrolling a dogfighting operation. He will return to his family and community, and when he is ready, start working with strength and quarterback coaches.

Segal said he would try to negotiate a one- or two-year contract that includes incentives for playing time and a starting position. He said he hasn’t spoken to teams because Vick is still under contract with the Falcons, though the team has said he will not play for Atlanta again.