Reid Interview...Westbrook's Starting!

[sergasCA]

Here's everything Reid said today on Westbrook's situation:

On Brian Westbrook's availability: "He should be fine."

On whether he feels he has to limit his use of Brian Westbrook: "He feels good so you have to take that into consideration and bank on what the medical people tell you also. Right now we'll play him. He wants to play and he feels good."

On whether Brian Westbrook has had any additional scans or MRIs: "No."

On whether he has an ideal number of touches for Brian Westbrook: "Well we'll see. I don't have a number, no. I'm just going to play him. I'll rotate him like I did before he was hurt."

On whether there is any extra protection on his ribs: "No, not necessarily. It's not a rib down here (pointing to lower ribs); it's where the pads cover. So the pads cover that area."

On whether there was a point in the week when he was confident that Brian Westbrook would play: "Each day he's gotten better. I think he had it in his mind that he was going to play this week. He got a tremendous amount of treatment; (head trainer) Rick (Burkholder) and the doctors did a great job with him. Heck, he feels good. He's running around, there's no wincing or any of that stuff. He feels strong and good."

On whether he is surprised that Brian Westbrook is going to play: "The primary thing was the contusion. I think everybody is focusing on the small break. The break was very minimal. It was a contusion that he had and it was a matter of that thing settling down. You just didn't know. But it's worked out

Now I don't know who's a better play...a healthy K. Jones vs Wash or a banged up B. Westbrook vs Pitt. Sorta like deciding if you would rather die by hanging or electric chair.... Any opinions?

[bungle613]

I think they're nuts to start him witha cracked rib. I assume he will be wearing a flak jacket but even without...how the hell is he going to breathe with a cracked rib?

[sergasCA]

You know Westbrook wants to deflate all the talk of Duce Staley coming back to Philly. He'd play with his leg hanging by a tendon if he had to. So, who's the better play? K. Jones or Westee?

[bungle613]

I can't see how he can take a hit or recover from something as simple as a 10 or 20 yard run. Playing through pain is one thing...having to take a deep breath with a cracked rib is another.

[sergasCA]

I just read the interview a bit more carfefully....Reid doesn't say Westee will START. However, he did say that he would rotate him into the offense exactly as he did before the injury. I can only assume that means he'll get as many touches/plays as he did before. Again, K. Jones vs Wash or Westee vs. Pitt?

[djfresh]

eric johnson's been playing with a cracked rib for the past month. there are different severities of cracked ribs. his is very miniscule from what i hear and does not have trouble breathing.

thus, he is able to play

[bungle613]

I just read the interview a bit more carfefully....Reid doesn't say Westee will START. However, he did say that he would rotate him into the offense exactly as he did before the injury. I can only assume that means he'll get as many touches/plays as he did before. Again, K. Jones vs Wash or Westee vs. Pitt?

Wrong forum for the question Sergas. Post it over in Who to Start and you will get a bunch of replies. Me, Who knows... I would be looking at the wire. Jones against Wash...crap, Westbrook finishing the game...probably not. Could be a couple of two pointers this week.

[MadScott]

The best case that I could see for Westbrook would be maybe 15 touches. I'm with you guys, I don't know why the hell they would run a RB out there with a cracked rib.