Report: Damaged knee could force Westbrook to retire
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Report: Damaged knee could force Westbrook to retire
Sheil Kapadia, Philly.com
Injuries to Brian Westbrook's left knee could force the Eagles' running back into retirement this season, according to a report by Howard Eskin on NBC-10.
As Eskin understands it, Westbrook's career as an Eagle is "definitely" over, and it's unlikely that he'll play again anywhere if he listens to doctors over the next few weeks.
Westbrook had just one touch and no carries in the Eagles' playoff loss to the Cowboys on Jan. 9. Per the report, the reason he wasn't involved much was that his knee was in such bad shape. Eskin went as far as to say Westbrook would not be able to pass a physical if he tried to catch on with another team.
Last week, I detailed how much Westbrook played in that game, as compared to Leonard Weaver and LeSean McCoy.
Westbrook played in eight games last season, carrying 61 times for 274 yards. He also suffered two concussions. It's important to note that Eskin is reporting that the knee, not the concussions, would be the factor that could force retirement.
I was not watching Sports Final last night, but the folks at NBC 10 were nice enough to post the segment online.
Earlier, we posted about Keith Brooking's short memory in criticizing the Vikings for running up the score yesterday.
Westbrook had a good career. If he retires it works out well for the Eagles since they wouldn't have to go through the pain of releasing him. They're in great shape with McCoy and Weaver. Next season they're gonna split the carries and be the thunder-and-lightning combination. So it's all good.— soulman386- I agree, time for Westbrook to retire. Weaver and McCoy are fine, no use trying to keep putting B-West out there wondering when he is going to re-injure his knee, ankle, or head. The concussion issue alone should be his reason to want to hang it up.— cgrant
- Why do we need a running back anyway? Reid never uses one. soulman386: half of nothing is nothing.— johnnyk3
- Goodluck to Westbrook! He has a bright future beyond football as an intelligent guy with class. RB's have very limited shelf life as they sustain significant physical contact. I would have been nicer if Eagles started trying a more physical RB few years back ....— Seed
Comment removed.- How can Jets and Ravens end up with very good RB and we could not find one in last five years? I brings into question how much a RB is valued in Reid's system. As all playoff teams are demonstrating, the team that stops opponent RUN game wins. Even Saints, and Vikes continue their run game in all situations.— Seed
- Whatever happens, Thanks to Brian Westbrook. Been an honor to have him as an Eagle.— Mike977
- What are some of you people talking about? McCoy set the franchise record for rookie running backs. Weaver is All Pro. That's not a promising situation at running back? Good luck to Westbrook but the Eagles are set at RB for the next several years.— soulman386
- Brian Westbrook was an awesome competitor for the Eagles. Clearly, the pounding has taken its toll on him. Even pre-concussions, he wasn't his former self. Hope he stays around as a coach-seems to have done great with Shady. Eagles need a REAL RB...like we saw way back when with Ricky Williams or more recently with SHONN GREENE. Gotta whack the ball between the tackles and make some yardage--it helps the passing game!— Smashmouth
- Wow, Eskin is a regular "Dick Tracy" he figured out that Westbrook won't be back as an Eagle! That is just superb work on his part. I mean the Eagles have such a strong track record of signing running backs (or any player) over 30 years of age and his bargain basement salary of $7.5 mil next year might lead one to think otherwise. How does Eskin do it? He is a pure genius! Best of luck to Brian Westbrook in his future endeavors and thanks for the memories.— downthemiddle
- Brian & Brian were the best Eagles of the past decade.— gnarly davidson
- WB was the heart of the O during the Reid era, he'll be missed.— Joe Funk
- Westbrook will definitely be missed. For years we relied on him time and time again as a fan we often took him for granted. Thank you Brian!— birds
- Westbrook will definitely be missed. For years we relied on him time and time again as a fan we often took him for granted. Thank you Brian!— birds
- He was lightening in a bottle for a long time. If this is it, Thanks Brian. You had one hell of a good career.
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