NFL - Sports Rumors

Fri Oct 03, 2008 9:23 am EDT

Westbrook, Smith could play for Eagles Sunday

By Joe Zedalis

Michael Westbrook

Getty Images

Marty Mornhinweg has a sore-chested quarterback and a sore-ankled franchise running back. His top 2007 wideout hasn't played this season and won't play this week. His All-Pro right guard also is out. But the Philadelphia Eagles' offensive coordinator got some good news Thursday, when Brian Westbrook seemed to be running just fine in a limited practice, even though he didn't make sharp cuts. Donovan McNabb, a limited participant on Wednesday, was able to do everything Thursday. And tight end L.J. Smith, absent with a back injury since the third quarter of the win over the Steelers week before last, practiced both days. Smith could be a more important offensive target this week than he has been since the opener, when he caught five passes (for 39 yards) and scored a touchdown.

Mornhinweg is hoping being at least a little healthier helps bring some consistency to his unit, which was the league's highest-scoring after two games (75 points) but has struggled in the last two (33 points), especially in the second half. The Birds have 75 first-half points this season, 35 in the second.

The Washington Redskins, who visit Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, have allowed just seven points in the fourth quarter this season, 38 in the second half. It might help the Eagles that Washington's defense is expected to be without defensive end Jason Taylor, who had emergency surgery to drain blood from near an ankle last week, and cornerback Shawn Springs, who suffered a calf injury while doing an excellent job on Terrell Owens in last Sunday's victory over Dallas.

Source: Philly.comNew Window

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22 Comments

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  1. J C
    1. Posted by J C Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:11 pm EDT

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    The Eagles have been way too cautious with Westbrook the past week and he WILL play on Sunday. Expect Buckhalter to come in for the first series, but then Westbrook will manage the rest of the game.
  2. mikestro
    2. Posted by mikestro Thu Sep 03, 2009 7:20 pm EDT

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    hail to the REDSKINS!
  3. Yankees4Lyfe
    3. Posted by Yankees4Lyfe Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:57 pm EDT

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    Sit Westbrook and start Buckhalter...this way I can get some fantasy points and then the Skins should have an easier time beating them...ok that is selfish I know but all well...besides on a serious note if Westbrook (Heaven forbid) does something to hurt himself worse that could be devastating for the Eagles...even with Donovan healthy Westbrook is the ace on the team. It would be sad to see him go down when he could be doing what he needs to do to get to 100% again...
  4. Yankees4Lyfe
    4. Posted by Yankees4Lyfe Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:57 pm EDT

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    Trey = TRAITOR.
  5. davfied
    5. Posted by davfied Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:37 pm EDT

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    The Redskins will still win.
  6. redskinjim
    6. Posted by redskinjim Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:42 pm EDT

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    westbrook is a stud he kills redskins HAIL TO THE SKINS
  7. Ryan C.
    7. Posted by Ryan C. Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:22 pm EDT

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    Should be a great game, glad you are doing better Westbrook. I believe you and Mcnabb are the glue that holds that team together. I have been to Philly and 90% percent of the fans are really good people,no hatin here both teams are good and if I had to predict a winner I would say Philly because of home field advantage.
    I'M A SKINS FAN AND I APPROVE OF THIS MESSAGE, GO SKINS!!!!!!!!!!!
  8. loop
    8. Posted by loop Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:49 pm EDT

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    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_McDermott
    Fly, Eagles fly.. On the road to vic-to-ry!
  9. nep617mvp
    9. Posted by nep617mvp Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:13 pm EDT

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    He should be ok after taking a few off.i would use him sparingly if any.
  10. nep617mvp
    10. Posted by nep617mvp Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:13 pm EDT

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    Marty Morningwig.i always thought he looked like James belushi.
  11. matt d
    11. Posted by matt d Thu Sep 03, 2009 7:13 pm EDT

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    Have you ever sprained your ankle, and then tried to push off on it with all your weight less than 2 weeks later? How can you be too cautious with a player as valuable as Westbrook? The Eagles are way better off in the long run this season playing without him this week against Washington, then beating San Francisco while resting him again. Their bye week follows which would give him 5 full weeks to get healthy going into the last 10 games of the season.
  12. IBG
    12. Posted by IBG Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:22 pm EDT

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    I dont expect Westbrook to play, with the movements he makes, I dont see him being 100% by this Sunday. You know Westbrook is eager to get back on the field with that big heart of his, especially after the Bears loss. I'd imagine if it were up to him, he would play.
    Upswing, the skins are on a roll and looking good, this game will not be an easy win for either team. We know the Eagles are dealing with some injuries, but I just read that it looks like Springs and Taylor will not play for the Skins?
    Trey, never heard of Mike McDermott, but I've always been a fan of the breaststroke. Go GREEN!
  13. Yankees4Lyfe
    13. Posted by Yankees4Lyfe Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:57 pm EDT

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    I totally agree with #15 and #17. I understand him wanting to play. How could he not? He is a HOF caliber player. He is not going to be comfortable sitting on the sidelines. Especially not when facing a division rival who is coming off a great win. BUT I think he should be looking at the long term picture. Besides the division rivals, the NFC East schedule has some of the worst trap games I have seen. Most of the teams I would call soft as far as soft can go in referring to any NFL team. He is going to be needed more after the bye to get that much needed surge to ride into the post season. I think it would be cutting your nose off to spite your face if he comes back just to play this game...there are too many games left for him to be treated as expendable no matter how bad the Birds want this win.
  14. Ryan C.
    14. Posted by Ryan C. Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:22 pm EDT

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    Yea, you are right IBG both teams are going to be missing key players. But we have to remember this a division game, and you know everything is thrown out the window. That's the reason I would pick Philly because they are playing at home, but don't get me wrong I still love my skins. Hold on a minute there is a patriots camera man in here recording my posts, I think I'm going to file tampering charges. How much you think I can get? Take it easy my friend.
    I'M UPSWING AND I APPROVE OF THIS MESSAGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  15. Yankees4Lyfe
    15. Posted by Yankees4Lyfe Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:57 pm EDT

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    Oh yeah and GO PURPLE!!!
  16. Ryan C.
    16. Posted by Ryan C. Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:22 pm EDT

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    I like go pink !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! lips that are tight.
  17. Yankees4Lyfe
    17. Posted by Yankees4Lyfe Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:57 pm EDT

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    LMAO @ Upswing...
  18. IBG
    18. Posted by IBG Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:22 pm EDT

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    upswing, you are right, throw it all out the window, come game time GO PINK
  19. Ryan C.
    19. Posted by Ryan C. Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:22 pm EDT

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    IBL, I'll get right on top of it, then underneath it, then doggy style it, then the real fun begin!!! I better watch out if my wife see's this my asss is grass, and not the smokable kind. Be yappin at ya my friend.
    Go Skins!!!
  20. hop
    20. Posted by hop Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:20 pm EDT

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    Who cares if this idiot plays? Its not going to help the eagles enough to win against good teams as they are nothing but losers just like their fans are. Go SKINS and anyone else who plays the eagles!
  21. sndsquire
    21. Posted by sndsquire Thu Sep 03, 2009 9:30 pm EDT

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    need some fantasy help here... Have Campbell and Hasselbeck as my QBs. Who do i start? Campbell, very consistant v. an Eagle D in Philly - or Hasselbeck v. NYG with Engram, Branch, and Robinson back in the line up for the first time this season...
  22. Tom O
    22. Posted by Tom O Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:34 pm EDT

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    scott h: Please put on your diapers, and go to bed.

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