FANTASY FOOTBALL NFL PLAYERS

Posted: 11/20/2009 3:06pm et

ESPNews reports Philadelphia Eagles RB Brian Westbrook (concussion) will be out in Week 11 and likely the two following weeks as well.

The Huddle Take: It's almost amazing the Eagles are even considering allowing Westbrook to return this season at all. From a Fantasy perspective, Westbrook can't be trusted to be a factor the rest of the season. From a quality-of-life perspective, we can only hope Westbrook is making the right decision if he indeed does play in three weeks.

Posted: 11/19/2009 10:28am et

The Philadelphia Eagles announced RB Brian Westbrook's symptoms have improved significantly over the past three days, according to University of Pittsburgh Medical Center doctors. Westbrook was re-tested Wednesday, Nov. 18, with a battery of neuro-cognitive tests, as well as a comprehensive physical and neurological exam. Westbrook's results were favorable, and Dr. Joseph Marron and Dr. Michael Collins were encouraged by Westbrook's progress. Doctors feel that "he has an excellent prognosis and we expect a full recovery." Doctors added, "We developed a comprehensive physical rehab plan for Brian, and we will repeat the detailed testing in the next two to three weeks."

The Huddle Take: The league has taken dramatic steps this year in dealing with concussions, and Westbrook is a prime example. He won't play this week, and there's a possibility he won't return at all this year.

Posted: 11/18/2009 8:06pm et

Philadelphia Eagles RB Brian Westbrook (concussion) is out for the team's Week 11 game.

The Huddle Take: The Eagles certainly appear to be destined to be without Brian Westbrook as he once again will be sidelined with an injury. Philadelphia will now turn to LeSean McCoy who has looked good in limited action but will now be the primary runner as long as Westbrook remains out of action. McCoy should be viewed as a solid No. 2 running back with upside.

Posted: 11/18/2009 12:21am et

Updating a previous item, Jeff McLane, of the Philadelphia Inquirer, reports Philadelphia Eagles RB Brian Westbrook (concussion) will visit with two concussion specialists in Pittsburgh Wednesday, Nov. 18. A statement from head trainer Rick Burkhalter said, "The Eagles will first have Westbrook consult with neuropsychologist Mark R. Lovell, PhD. Following that visit Westbrook and Lovell will consult with neurosurgeon Joseph Maroon, MD. Dr. Lovell has been consulting with the Eagles' medical staff on Westbrook's recovery from the first concussion during the past three weeks." Head coach Andy Reid said Westbrook was "foggy" after the second concussion. Reid said it was "too early" to decide if Westbrook's season was over.

The Huddle Take: As was stated earlier, LeSean McCoy becomes the starter in Philly for the foreseeable future, and this could very well spell the end of a very good career. We do wish Westbrook all the best and hope this isn't a long term problem.

Posted: 11/17/2009 4:46pm et

ESPN.com reports Philadelphia Eagles RB Brian Westbrook (concussion) is scheduled to visit with a specialist this week, likely Wednesday, Nov. 18, to determine if and when he can resume playing, according to a league source.

The Huddle Take: It would probably be in the best interests of both Westbrook and the Eagles if he didn't play the remainder of the season. Two concussions in two games is scary; now we're talking about the potential for a life-altering problem. Even if the specialist says he's good to go, you've got to think Philadelphia will at least sit Westbrook this week and probably next. LeSean McCoy will probably become the Eagles' No. 1 running back for the foreseeable future.

Posted: 11/16/2009 11:07am et

Steve Wyche, of NFL.com, reports there is speculation that Philadelphia Eagles RB Brian Westbrook could be out for a prolonged period of time after suffering a concussion in Week 10. Westbrook could miss the rest of the season, and there is concern his career may be in jeopardy. Head coach Andy Reid expressed concern for Westbrook's health following the game. "I feel bad for Brian. I feel bad for him. It's something that our doctors will look at and be on top of right when we get back," Reid said. "In these types of situations, football is secondary. We've got to look at this kid and for his future and make sure everything is OK for him before he gets back out there."

The Huddle Take: The NFL is being more vigilant with regards to concussions this season in light of recent information showing the long-term effects of such head trauma. With that in mind, don't expect Westbrook back any time soon. LeSean McCoy will handle the Eagles' feature back gig in the interim.

Posted: 11/15/2009 9:45pm et

NFL.com reports Philadelphia Eagles RB Brian Westbrook (concussion) suffered a concussion in the team's Week 10 game.

The Huddle Take: Westbrook returns to action in Week 10 only to leave with a concussion which will need to be evaluated further on Monday. Fantasy owners should once again expect LeSean McCoy to be the primary ball carrier in Week 11 if the Eagles have to put Westbrook on the shelf once again.

Posted: 11/14/2009 11:19pm et

The News Journal, reports Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid said he will rotate RBs Brian Westbrook (concussion) and LeSean McCoy during the team's Week 10 game. 'He'll continue to rotate, and we'll just see how he does,' Reid said of Westbrook. 'I'm not going to just throw him in for the whole game. LeSean McCoy has done a nice job when he's been called on, so that gives us some flexibility.'

The Huddle Take: Westbrook appears eager to return and the Eagles could certainly use his skills in Week 10 as they battle for the Eastern division crown and a potential playoff berth. Fantasy owners should not expect too much from Westbrook right away as the team will likely ease him back into action gradually. LeSean McCoy has earned some carries and will still be a factor in the running game even when Westbrook is healthy.

Posted: 11/13/2009 5:19pm et

The Philadelphia Daily News reports Philadelphia Eagles RB Brian Westbrook (concussion, ankle) fully participated in practice Friday, Nov. 13. He is listed as probable for Week 10 and is expected to play.

The Huddle Take: Use Westbrook with caution this week, because even though he's expected to play, it's likely the Eagles will split his time with LeSean McCoy as they try to minimize Westbrook's exposure to punishment.

Posted: 11/12/2009 11:46pm et

Philadelphia Eagles RB Brian Westbrook (concussion, ankle) practiced Thursday, Nov. 12, and he intends to play Week 10.

The Huddle Take: This is good news for a Philadelphia team in need of getting its playmakers back on the field. When healthy Westbrook is as good as any runner in the league and provides the spark in both the rushing game and the passing attack to give the Eagles more punch on offense. Westbrook is not the same dominant runner he has been in years past but he remains a lethal weapon that can post huge numbers against any opponent when fully healthy. Check back closer to gametime to see if he has been given clearance to play in Week 10.