Newz Forum: FOOTBALL: Eagles' Westbrook expected to play against Steelers

PHILADELPHIA -- Philadelphia Eagles leading rusher Brian Westbrook is expected to play against Pittsburgh on Sunday after missing one game with a cracked rib.

"He feels good, so you have to take that into consideration and bank on what the medical people tell you also," Eagles coach Andy Reid said Friday. "Right now we'll play him. He wants to play and he feels good."

The running back was injured against Cleveland two weeks ago, then missed the Eagles' 15-10 victory over Baltimore last Sunday.

Westbrook returned to practice Wednesday. The third-year pro has 458 yards rushing on 90 carries this season, plus 31 catches for 249 yards.

He led the team with 13 touchdowns last season, including two on punt returns, but he's scored just once this season -- a 42-yard run in a victory over Carolina.

Dorsey Levens took Westbrook's spot against the Ravens, gaining 40 yards on 12 carries in his first start since 2000, when he was with Green Bay. Reno Mahe added 22 yards on five attempts.

With Westbrook sidelined by a triceps injury in the playoffs last season, Philadelphia's offense was completely shut down as the Eagles lost their third consecutive NFC championship game, 14-3 to Carolina.

The Eagles (7-0) need Westbrook against the Steelers (6-1), who ended New England's 21-game winning streak last weekend.

Wide receiver Todd Pinkston (knee) and right guard Jermane Mayberry (calf) practiced Friday. Both are questionable for Sunday.

source

CBS