Byron Westbrook Says His Brother Brian Is Healthy And Ready To Play

The brother of former Eagles star running back Brian Westbrook told the Washington Post that his brother is ready to play from a health standpoint as he visits the Washington Redskins today.

“He did get cleared medically when he [recently] visited the Rams,” Byron Westbrook said. “They did a physical, a checkup on him, and the Rams did deem that he was good to play. Remember, at the end of the season, after the second one [concussion], he did get a change of helmets.

“It was more of a concussion helmet, which helped him take hits in the head. The question is going to be in the back of his mind, but you’re going to take those hits if you’re going to play this game.”

The younger Westbrook says his brother brings an added dimension to the already over-crowded group of running backs on the roster.

“We do have three great backs on the team right now. With my brother, it would be adding another dimension from a pass-catching standpoint and a great third-down running back. And also a great first- and second-down running back as well.”

I agree with him on this point.¬† If you have a healthy Brian Westbrook on the field for third downs, it’s going to make you a better football team.¬† Donovan McNabb is wisely lobbying for the team to sign his former Eagles teammate.

You could tell by the following statement that the younger Westbrook has been educated about the business side of the NFL by his older brother.

“The Redskins are bringing him in for a visit, so they have interest, but he still has to weigh his options,” Byron Westbrook said. “They already have three great backs here. He doesn’t know what our team is going to do right now, and you can’t have four great running backs on the team and not know what role you’re going to play. You’ve just got to be patient, see what they say on his visit and go from there.”

If the Redskins are thinking clearly they will sign him.