Westbrook expected to play -- how effectively, no one knows
January 16
Camden Courier-Post
"The clandestine maneuverings are in full swing right now, with the Eagles desperately trying to coax running back Brian Westbrook back to health in time for their NFC Championship game Sunday.
The question really isn't if Westbrook will get back to full health because it has become clear over these past several weeks that he won't. We also know that somehow, someway, he'll find a way to be on the field.
Rather, the question should be, to what degree will the Eagles have Westbrook?
The answer, of course, is nobody knows. Not the fans. Not the media. Not the coaches. And perhaps not even Westbrook.
Eagles coach Andy Reid said Monday that Westbrook has "a little bit of swelling on his knee."
Then he added: "[It's] really nothing different."
Or is it?
Wednesday night, ESPN's Sal Paolantonio reported that Westbrook told him that he "tweaked" his knee against the Giants, which would indicate that the joint has gotten worse.
Westbrook hasn't been made available to the media since then, and won't be until today.
The Eagles wouldn't comment other than to say that he is expected to play Sunday.
Westbrook didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday, which isn't unusual for him over the past several weeks.
Earlier Wednesday, Westbrook said what he has said for most of the season: "I've been battling injuries all year long. I continue to be positive that I can do the things that I need to do to help this team."
We just don't know what those things are, although we do know it could affect the Eagles' chances of reaching the Super Bowl.
It's no secret that when Westbrook is on top of his game, the Eagles are practically unstoppable. But through two games in the playoffs, Westbrook has rushed 38 times for 74 yards, which would indicate that he's either not on top of his game, or the opponents have focused entirely on stopping him, or both.
The Eagles are giving as much credit to opposing defenses as blame to Westbrook's injuries.
"[The running game] isn't very good right now," Eagles offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg said. "We have to get better. There are several factors that come into play there."
Mornhinweg wouldn't elaborate on those factors. But he did say that the Eagles have a game plan for the Cardinals, and they'll adjust based on Westbrook's health."
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