Report: Westbrook's career in jeopardy

If Brian Westbrook retires, as a television report suggested he may be forced to do, it would come as a surprise to almost no one.

The Eagles running back had an injury-riddled season marred by two concussions, a nagging ankle injury, and limited production. And, of course, he turned 30 in September, the age that so often has been the expiration date for NFL running backs.

But it is Westbrook's left knee that would ultimately end the tailback's career with the Eagles and hinder any attempt to catch on with another team, according to WIP-AM's Howard Eskin.

Citing sources, Eskin said Sunday night on NBC10's Sports Final that Westbrook would seek out other medical opinions on his knee in the next few weeks. According to the report, Westbrook's ailing knee kept him on the sideline for almost all of the first-round playoff loss to Dallas.

In the 34-14 defeat, coach Andy Reid split carries between rookie LeSean McCoy and fullback Leonard Weaver. Westbrook did not have a carry, and his only touch of the game was on a 27-yard screen pass in the third quarter.

A message left with Brian Westbrook's agent, Todd France, was not returned yesterday.

The Eagles had no comment.

Westbrook underwent arthroscopic surgery on his knee in February. The team eased him through spring practices until June, when his right foot became increasingly bothersome. He was shut down and soon had bone fragments surgically removed from his foot. Westbrook sat out all of training camp and the preseason, but he returned for the opener.

He never looked anywhere near his old self.

After he had a solid outing against Oakland, Westbrook suffered a first-quarter concussion the next week at Washington. He returned three weeks later but suffered a second concussion. His career appeared to be in jeopardy and he missed the next five games, but Westbrook was cleared for the final two regular-season games.

He received the bulk of the carries in both games but was ineffective, rushing 14 times for 49 yards, a 3.5-yard average. He finished the season with 61 carries for 274 yards and one touchdown and 25 catches for 181 yards and one score. Across the board, they were his lowest numbers since his rookie season in 2002.

If Westbrook's career with the Eagles is indeed over, it would likely make McCoy the lead running back. The Pittsburgh product was most prolific when he was the primary ballcarrier. As the season wore on, however, Weaver took on a larger role, one nearly equal to McCoy. Third tailback Eldra Buckley was used primarily in short-yardage situations.

The Eagles worked out three running backs last week, according to a team source. But that is not an uncommon off-season practice for the team.

Still, it was considered unlikely that Westbrook would be back for next season, especially if he hoped to collect the $7.25 million he was due to make. If his left knee is as damaged as reported - according to one of Eskin's sources, Westbrook would not pass a physical for any team right now - he might not be back next year at all.

Westbrook's eight-year tenure with the Eagles appears to be at an end. He will go down as one of the best to ever wear the uniform. His career statistics aren't eye-popping - 5,995 rushing yards (37 touchdowns) and 3,790 receiving yards (29 TDs) - but his runs often were.

Just two seasons ago, he accounted for 2,104 yards (1,333 rushing and 771 receiving) from scrimmage and earned his second Pro Bowl nod. But last season, he started showing signs of decline. This season confirmed that he was on the downturn. Now it could all be over.

McNabb in Pro Bowl? Donovan McNabb will be invited to his sixth Pro Bowl.

As the first alternate, the Eagles quarterback will be asked to slide into the spot vacated by Minnesota's Brett Favre or New Orleans' Drew Brees, depending on which quarterback's team reaches the Super Bowl.

The Pro Bowl was moved up to a week before the Super Bowl this season. The losing QB of the NFC championship between the Vikings and Saints will play in the Jan. 31 all-star game in Miami.

Of course, the winner will play in Miami in a significantly more important game a week later.

McNabb has been an alternate before, accepting a roster spot when another quarterback backed out.