Updated: 49ers Sign Brian Westbrook (update on Post #68)

First, I'm not sure what to make of having two backs with 3 concussions and at least 15-16 missed games last year.

But if you're wondering whether Westbrook would be okay after missing training camps -- it'd probably be okay given McNabb knows him better than anyone. Last year he only started practicing August 16 (albeit with Philly playbook, etc).

Vick, Westbrook on practice field at Eagles training camp - USATODAY.com (http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/eagles/2009-08-15-vick-practice_N.htm)

Everything I've read says Portis is the "starter" but will primarily be used on 3rd downs. To me, thats a contradiction - If he primarily plays 3rd downs, he's not the starter. LJ makes the most sense to be the primary 1st and 2nd down back. Now, things would get really interesting if we brought westbrook here, since he's also mostly a 3rd down type of back. Either way, looking at our roster I really dont see a reason for willie parker to be here - with or without westbrook.

Personally, I don't like the idea of rotating backs much within series. Most backs, especially guys like Portis, get better over the course of a series. If you take them in and out of the game (unless theyre just exhausted), it messes up with their rythm. Ideally, I think we should have Portis take most of the snaps in the 1st half with Westbrook sprinkled in on 3rd downs. Then give most of the 2nd half snaps to Johnson, while mixing Portis and Westbrook in on some 3rd downs.

My thinking exactly. However it would be wise for the Shanahans to be flexible in the order of starters from 1st and 2nd half. CP has typically had a killer instinct l8 in games, but from everything we hear LJ is looking to have a monster resurgence to his career. The coaches should give both guys the opp to be the "closing" RB, see who runs stronger to the finish. If the performances are basically equal then maybe switch it up.

Come on Westbrook? A walking frigging injury for 2+ seasons now. Don't you think we have signed enough older RBs on the roster at the expense of giving a young stud a shot? Signing both LJ and WP show me that all this change stuff is mostly hype.

Twitter / Chris Mortensen: On SC earlier, said we can ... (http://twitter.com/mortreport/statuses/20976218455)


Westbrook to sign somewhere by Monday according to Mort.

I predict Denver, they are having RB injuries...we don't need him. CP, LJ and Torain will work.

I just can't see why he'd sign here. I know playing for Shanny is a major pull but he's be in competition with at least 3 other other guys they are already high on and have already been working with. I can't see BW looking at that and thinking it offers much of a unencumbered opportunity. Denver does seem like the obvious choice right now but there again not too far down the line Moreno is gonna be back and he most definitely is starting over BW once he is even remotely healthy. I don't get why he has waited so long.

I just can't see why he'd sign here. I know playing for Shanny is a major pull but he's be in competition with at least 3 other other guys they are already high on and have already been working with. I can't see BW looking at that and thinking it offers much of a unencumbered opportunity. Denver does seem like the obvious choice right now but there again not too far down the line Moreno is gonna be back and he most definitely is starting over BW once he is even remotely healthy. I don't get why he has waited so long.

Broncos just added Justin Fargas this week. Westbrook didn't want to deal with training camp basically, so he took his time. Maybe he took too much time

If he wants playing time it'll probably the Rams, if he wants a chance to win he's got a better chance here. If he wants perhaps a little of both then he'll sign with the Saints

Broncos just added Justin Fargas this week. Westbrook didn't want to deal with training camp basically, so he took his time. Maybe he took too much time

If he wants playing time it'll probably the Rams, if he wants a chance to win he's got a better chance here. If he wants perhaps a little of both then he'll sign with the Saints

Always thought Fargas was a good back stuck on a horrible team...

Thats one way to look at it a paycheck is a paycheck for some. If he does sign with the Rams thats all hes getting.

No happy ending here if this move occurs this team flat out sucks!

Brian Westbrook expected to join Rams

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on August 14, 2010 3:37 PM ET
Steven Jackson said this week the Rams didn't need a veteran running back, but it looks like they are going to get one anyway.

ESPN.com's Mike Sando relayed the news cautiously on Twitter: "Just landed in STL and finished radio with John Clayton, who says the Rams will likely add Brian Westbrook on Monday. Good insurance."

Perhaps Westbrook is waiting for tonight's games to happen just in case he gets another offer before making it official. While Westbrook has no chance to win a title in St. Louis, this looks like his best route towards playing time.

Chris Ogbonnaya was the favorite to be the backup running back in St. Louis. Should Westbrook sign, the Rams could wind up keeping Jackson on the sidelines during many third downs.

Twitter / Chris Mortensen: On SC earlier, said we can ... (http://twitter.com/mortreport/statuses/20976218455)


Westbrook to sign somewhere by Monday according to Mort.

I predict Denver, they are having RB injuries...we don't need him. CP, LJ and Torain will work.

Don't forget Keiland Williams. I really like him a lot. I would rather have him over Westbrook with his concussion and other various ailments over the last few years.

Twitter / Chris Mortensen: On SC earlier, said we can ... (http://twitter.com/mortreport/statuses/20976218455)


Westbrook to sign somewhere by Monday according to Mort.

I predict Denver, they are having RB injuries...we don't need him. CP, LJ and Torain will work.

How about San Francisco? Glenn Coffee Their #2 back (last year's 3rd round pick) retired yesterday.