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  • #1

    After visit with Rams, Westbrook weighing options.

    NFL.com Wire Reports

    Running back Brian Westbrook was medically cleared during his weekend visit with the Rams, but he left town still weighing his options, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported Tuesday.

    "He wanted to go back (home) and think it over," Rams general manager Billy Devaney told the newspaper Monday. "We're just taking it one step at a time right now."

    The Rams are seeking running back depth behind starter Steven Jackson. Kenneth Darby, a three-year pro with 61 NFL carries, is the most experienced backup currently on the roster.

    Westbrook, 30, suffered two concussions last season with the Philadelphia Eagles, who released him this offseason despite his standing as the franchise's career leader in yards from scrimmage (9,785). He also ranks second in rushing yards (5,995) and third in receptions (426).

    After suffering his first concussion Oct. 26 against the Washington Redskins, Westbrook missed two games, then returned for a Nov. 16 contest in San Diego. However, Westbrook suffered another concussion against the Chargers and didn't return until Week 16.

    Westbrook, who also has dealt with knee, rib, ankle and foot injuries over the years, said he returned too soon from his first concussion.

    The Associated Press contributed to this report.
    Last edited by laram0; -04-27-2010, 06:27 PM.
    Tags: None
    • #2
      Re: After visit with Rams, Westbrook weighing options. NFL.com Wire Reports Running

      Could a mod please delete the NFL.com part of the title. Not a big deal but it would be nice.

      Thanks laram0
      Last edited by schut39; -04-27-2010, 06:38 PM.

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        • #3
          Re: After visit with Rams, Westbrook weighing options.

          I hear the Packers are interested...Ugh

            Comment

            • #4
              Re: After visit with Rams, Westbrook weighing options.

              I hope he views this team as a more intriguing option, with highly toted Sam Bradford coming in, and Steven Jackson, and a newly revamped o-line.

              He would definitely upgrade our RB corps.

                Comment

                • #5
                  Re: After visit with Rams, Westbrook weighing options.

                  I don't know how much he has left, but he would be a nice 1-2 punch.

                    Comment

                    • #6
                      Re: After visit with Rams, Westbrook weighing options.

                      I think it's all about his knee at this point. If that can hold up, he'll be a good get for an offense that really has no other options behind Jackson. For such a run oriented team, I'm really confused as to why we haven't addressed this issue yet.

                        Comment

                        • #7
                          Re: After visit with Rams, Westbrook weighing options.

                          I've heard his knee starts to swell when he plays and/or practices on turf... of course he would be limited in practice, but I just don't know if he'd be able to stay healthy, at least not here.
                          Anyway, if he decides to join, I'd be very glad to have him here, but let's be sure to keep Darby around, because I'm not sure he'll be able to stay healthy.

                            Comment

                            • #8
                              Re: After visit with Rams, Westbrook weighing options.

                              This is from the other BW thread where I had placed the article prior to this thread opening. I hope you don't mind, Schut. Here the complete article by Thomas appears, issued earlier today.


                              RB Brian Westbrook thinking about St. Louis Rams

                              BY JIM THOMAS
                              ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
                              04/27/2010

                              Veteran running back Brian Westbrook still wants to play football. And he checked out OK medically during his weekend visit to Rams Park. But will he end up in St. Louis?

                              Stay tuned. After meeting with Rams coaches and team officials, Westbrook left town and is mulling his options.

                              "He wanted to go back (home) and think it over," Rams general manager Billy Devaney said Monday. "We're just taking it one step at a time right now."


                              The Rams wouldn't have brought him in for a physical if they didn't think he could still be a productive player, albeit as a complement to Steven Jackson in the St. Louis backfield and not as a feature back.

                              Although Westbrook, 30, has plenty of wear and tear on his body after eight seasons in the NFL, the Rams apparently were satisfied with his physical enough to remain interested in signing him.

                              That's not to say there aren't concerns, but the two concussions Westbrook suffered last season do not appear to be an issue. Westbrook probably returned too quickly after suffering the first concussion but eventually was able to return to action by the end of the season.

                              But Westbrook's left knee, which was first injured playing basketball at DeMatha High School in Maryland, requires careful maintenance. The knee usually swells up if he practices or plays on artificial turf. And it wasn't unusual for Westbrook to miss practice over the past couple of seasons to let the knee rest.

                              The Rams play at least half their games on artificial turf every season in the Edward Jones Dome. Westbrook knows the offensive system brought here by former Eagles assistant Pat Shurmur, who is the Rams' offensive coordinator. So other than making sure he had his timing down, at this stage of his career Westbrook wouldn't need practice every day.

                              Westbrook also has an arthritic ankle, which needed surgery last June. Because of all the missed practice time following the ankle surgery, Westbrook got off to a sluggish start in the 2009 regular season. He was just rounding into form when he suffered the first concussion Oct. 26 against Washington. Westbrook took a knee to the helmet from Redskins linebacker London Fletcher.

                              After missing two games, Westbrook returned Nov. 16 against San Diego and suffered a second concussion. He didn't play again until Week 16 and later said that he came back too soon from the first concussion.

                              As recently as 2007, Westbrook rushed for a career-high 1,333 yards and established career highs for catches (90) and receptions yards (771). His 2,104 yards from scrimmage that year was an Eagles record, helping him earn his second Pro Bowl berth.

                              Still effective in 2008, Westbrook rushed for 936 yards, had 402 reception yards and scored 14 touchdowns in 14 games. But the ankle surgery and concussions took their toll last season. His 274 yards rushing on 61 carries marked his lowest output since his rookie season in 2002.

                              In late February, the Eagles announced they would release Westbrook, who was due to make more than $7 million in 2010 had he stayed in Philly.

                              "I think we all know that Brian is one of the all-time great Philadelphia Eagles," coach Andy Reid said at the time.

                              Earlier in the offseason, Minnesota and Green Bay expressed some interest in Westbrook, but the Rams appear to be the only team currently pursuing him.
                              BW has quite a bit of bondo in his body, perhaps some hidden rust here and there, maybe a few worn down suspension parts; but he also seems to still have a muscle car engine that can roar and burn the rubber on the asphalt. Quarter mile only. I hope he decides to end his career with the Rams and that we would use him sparingly (the only way) on certain running play situations.

                              Come on down ... that is ... come on UP young man of 30! :helmet:
                              Last edited by RealRam; -04-28-2010, 11:28 AM. Reason: Tyop

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                                • #9
                                  Re: After visit with Rams, Westbrook weighing options.

                                  If he still wants to play and we're the only team currently talking to him, methinks he signs.

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                                    • RealRam
                                      Brian Westbrook still a possibility for Rams?
                                      by RealRam
                                      :helmet:

                                      Brian Westbrook may still be on St. Louis Rams with list
                                      BY JIM THOMAS • Posted: Sunday, August 15, 2010 12:10 am...
                                      -08-15-2010, 12:38 AM
                                    • LA Rammer
                                      Westbrook expected to make decision by Monday
                                      by LA Rammer
                                      Posted by Ken Newhouse on August 12, 2010 2 Comments


                                      Free agent RB Brian Westbrook is expected to make a decision on where he is going to play in 2010 by this coming Monday. The teams that are in contention for signing Westbrook are the St. Louis Rams, Denver Broncos, and the Washington Redskins. It is not said whether there is a fourth team in contention to sign Westbrook, but we’ll have to wait and see.

                                      The former pro bowler had many stellar seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles. Due to injuries, he was limited to playing time last season. Then in February of this Westbrook was released by the Eagles. He had reportedly been offered a contract by the Redskins a couple of months ago but turned it down, trying to wait and see if anything better on the market popped up.

                                      Westbrook’s best option would probably be in St. Louis, because he would have more playing time behind Steven Jackson. Even though the Rams don’t have a great chance of contending in 2010, Westbrook would likely recieve the biggest contract offer from the Rams.

                                      Washington doesn’t seem like a good fit for Westbrook due to a crowded backfield already. While Denver has just signed another duo of running backs, he doesn’t seem like a fit there either.

                                      The only issue with the Rams signing Westbrook, is that he has had knee troubles in the past. Since the Rams have turf on their fields then it is more of a possibility of him suffering an injury. Either way, the Rams need a proven backup for Steven Jackson, and Brian Westbrook might just be the best fit.
                                      -08-12-2010, 04:14 PM
                                    • rammer74
                                      westbrook?
                                      by rammer74
                                      Hi Guys
                                      any truth in this rumour found on the nfluk forum ?
                                      Word is Westbrook has passed his physical and is talking to the rams now about a contract .
                                      -04-26-2010, 01:46 PM
                                    • berg8309
                                      Brian Westbrook to visit St. Louis
                                      by berg8309
                                      Just heard on NFL network that Brian Westbrook was going to make a trip to St. Louis and take a physical. I wonder if a contract could be coming, I can't say I would argue with him as a backup for Jackson.
                                      -04-24-2010, 09:11 AM
                                    • Bralidore(RAMMODE)
                                      SJ Has Back Surgery
                                      by Bralidore(RAMMODE)
                                      Jim Thomas:

                                      Rams Pro Bowl running back Steven Jackson underwent back surgery in early April to repair a herniated disc he suffered in late November of last season.

                                      "It was a minor procedure," coach Steve Spagnuolo told the Post-Dispatch on Tuesday evening. "He feels great. It's really not a big deal."


                                      But Spagnuolo did say Jackson probably would be held out of at least the start of organized team activities — the full-squad practice sessions that begin May 18 at Rams Park. "Just to be sure," Spagnuolo said.

                                      And there's a chance Jackson could be held out of practices until the start of training camp at the end of July.

                                      Originally, Jackson hoped that rest and rehab would help the back heal. But when the back didn't respond, he opted for surgery, which took place in California less than a month ago. The surgery removed the herniated piece of the disc.

                                      The prognosis is good, and it's believed the surgery won't hamper his NFL career or his longevity. But back injuries are tricky, and there are obviously no guarantees.

                                      Jackson has been at Rams Park this week doing rehab work on his back but did not respond to a text message seeking comment. One of Jackson's agents declined to comment, referring all questions on the matter to the Rams.

                                      The surgery obviously is a sensitive subject at Rams Park, particularly given the team's inability to add a strong backup to Jackson via the draft or free agency.

                                      The Rams brought in former Pittsburgh Steeler Willie Parker for a pre-draft visit, but he was never offered a contract and ended up signing with Washington.

                                      Former Philadelphia Eagle Brian Westbrook took a physical in St. Louis on April 24, the last day of the draft. But Westbrook, who has knee, ankle, and concussion issues, left without a contract offer from the Rams and will take his time considering his options.

                                      Fresno State's Ryan Mathews was the only running back known to have been brought in for a pre-draft visit by St. Louis. He was taken 12th overall in the draft by San Diego.

                                      Detroit general manager Martin Mayhew said the Lions traded up into the first round for California running back Jahvid Best at No. 30 overall in part because he thought the Rams might select Best at No. 33 overall, or just ahead of Detroit in the second round.

                                      At the moment, the Rams have only Kenneth Darby and Chris Ogbonnaya as returning veterans behind Jackson on the depth chart. The team did sign running backs Keith Toston of Oklahoma State and De'Maundray Woolridge of Idaho as rookie free agents after the draft, and both players took part in last weekend's rookie minicamp.

                                      Jackson suffered his back injury in the Rams' Nov. 22 home game against Arizona last season. He said after that game that he wasn't sure if it occurred on any one specific play....
                                      -05-04-2010, 09:10 PM
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