Westbrook Hopeful to Play in Week 8

It was a shocking moment for both sidelines last night when Eagles’ starting RB Brian Westbrook sustained a rough tackle and lay unconscious in the middle of the field for several minutes. The veteran Bird, a Pro-Bowl-caliber player with wise football knowledge, was injured in the first quarter of last night’s Week 7 rivalry matchup between Philadelphia and Washington, and all fans could do was watch as Westbrook was surrounded by medical staff and coaches, as well as his younger brother Byron, a backup CB for the Redskins. After a brief period of pondering in which one could only guess the condition of the 8th-year runner, Westbrook was lifted from the field and taken into the team locker room for examination.

As already explained in other game analysis articles, the Eagles successfully replaced Westbrook (pictured with team trainers) in the offensive strategy for the remainder of the game to beat the Redskins. However, the status of the starting back remained in question as victory celebrations commenced. Today, head coach Andy Reid evaluated on some minor points regarding the injury to his Running Back, and several teammates of Westbrook commented on the situation. It was confirmed that the 30-year-old suffered a concussion and entered a state of unconsciousness for a short period of time, and that he underwent some minor tests to insure his head and other areas of injury concern were not seriously hurt. Test results haven’t been exploited in detail, but Reid believes that Westbrook will play next week versus the New York Giants, saying he’s “counting on that he’ll be there”. Brian Westbrook has had great career success against the Giants, and tends to play a large role in rivalry games with New York the opponent, so it will be a big advantage for Philadelphia if he can recover in time to play in Week 8.

In five games with the Eagles this season (he missed one while tending to a twisted ankle), Westbrook has compiled 197 rushing yards off of 47 carries, to go along with two total touchdowns and 17 catches for 130 yards. He hasn’t been involved significantly with the offensive unit much this season, but as he heals up and molds into the game plan, it is expected that more action will be headed his way, especially since the team began to establish a solid running game this past week.

Below are a few comments made by some of Westbrook’s fellow Eagles, in regards to the injury, how they felt when it occurred, how serious they believe it to be, and when they expect him to return:

• OG Todd Herremans: “I stuck my hand out [to help him up after the hit] and he didn’t reach back for it and I looked at his eyes and he was just sleeping,” “I immediately called for someone to come out. Stuff like that happens. It’s a physical game. It was one of my more scary moments.” “Thank God he’s fine, walking around, awake.”
• SS Quintin Mikell: “[The injury] looked bad,” “Anytime a guy is just out like that and not responding, you don’t know what’s going on.”
• RB LeSean McCoy: “It was scary,” “I was more worried about his condition and his safety than getting out there and playing, especially with the relationship I have with him.” “He looked fine when he came back out [from the locker room],” “I think he’ll be fine. He’s tough. He’s played through so many injuries. Hopefully, he’s ready to roll.”