Football Westbrook to determine future

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Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook is scheduled to meet with two specialists in Pittsburgh on Wednesday to determine if and when he can resume playing football after a series of concussions.

Most NFL players battling concussions visit the same clinic and hospital in Pittsburgh. Previous visitors include former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman, former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Steve Young and former Denver Broncos and Oakland Raiders linebacker Bill Romanowski, each of whom saw concussions end his NFL career.

Westbrook sustained his second concussion in three weeks in Philadelphia's 31-23 loss at San Diego on Sunday.

Westbrook was playing his first game after sitting out two because of a concussion suffered Oct. 26. He was injured in the third quarter on a screen play in which he was caught between a block by Eagles receiver Jason Avant and Chargers safety Eric Weddle.

The 30-year-old Westbrook sustained his first career concussion when he hit his head on a defender's knee during a Monday night win at Washington last month. Westbrook briefly lost consciousness but walked off the field under his own power.

He sat out Philadelphia's victory against the New York Giants on Nov. 1 and was cleared to play against Dallas last week but was held out for precautionary reasons after experiencing headaches. Westbrook had no problems leading up to the game against the Chargers.

The eight-year veteran has been limited this season by ankle and knee injuries and the concussions. Westbrook has carried the ball 47 times for 225 yards, an average of 4.8 yards per carry, and has scored one touchdown. He has also caught 19 passes for 156 yards and a TD.

Westbrook has never played a full season, having missed 16 games for a variety of injuries to his knees, ankles, ribs and triceps.

Before last season, Westbrook signed a three-year contract worth $21 million, including $13 million guaranteed the first two years. The Eagles have the option of not renewing his contract for 2010.
 
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