After sitting out of five games this seasons thanks to two different concussions, Brian Westbrook will be absent from yet another game against the New York Giants this Sunday.
But Westbrook’s recent injuries come at a time when the National Football League (NFL) is taking strict measures to protect players. According to the New York Times, the NFL sponsored a telephone survey that indicated that NFL retirees were reporting diagnoses of dementia and other memory-related diseases at several times the rate in the national population.
Over the past eight seasons, the Villanova alum, Westbrook, serves as a key component on the Eagles offense, with 37 career touchdowns, 5,946 rushing yards, and 3,765 passing yards. A hybrid of sorts, he has been to the Eagles what Marshall Faulk was to the St. Louis Rams. Small in stature, Westbrook has never been an “every down-back.” He is just not durable enough to be slammed by 325-pound defensive tackle on every play.
However, Westbrook has proved to be absolutely lethal on screenplays, the slot, and even split out at wide receiver. Any defense, to be quite frank, cannot account for him.
Westbrook is not an inside runner. He was asked to be an inside runner, which didn’t suit his game and that’s where he has taken his beating. And with every beating, the 30-year-old’s time as an NFL running back may be numbered.
Still, doctors believe Westbrook will make a full recovery. However, it is unknown when he will be back on the field.
The Eagles face the Giants Sunday night at the Meadowlands.
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