Eagles RB Westbrook, QB McNabb sit out practice again

Sep 25, 2008 - 7:57 PM PHILADELPHIA (Ticker) -- Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook missed practice for the second straight day Thursday, keeping his status for Sunday's night game at Chicago in question.

The Eagles have listed Westbrook as day-to-day after he suffered a strained right ankle in last Sunday's 15-6 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Eagles coach Andy Reid said Wednesday he has seen improvement from Westbrook, but was not sure if he would be able to play against the Bears (1-2).

Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb, who suffered a chest contusion on the final play of the first quarter against Pittsburgh, also missed his second straight day of practice Thursday.

The five-time Pro Bowl selection has not thrown a pass since Sunday's game.

Westbrook did say that he spent at least two hours per day in the trainers' room this week and was feeling healthier.

Westbrook, 29, arguably is Philadelphia's most important offensive player; the seven-year veteran led the NFL with 2,104 yards from scrimmage last season.

The Eagles (2-1) sputtered offensively throughout the majority of last Sunday's slugfest with the Steelers, prompting Westbrook to push hard for a speedy return.

Westbrook missed most of last Sunday's victory after suffering the injury on the first play of the second quarter. The All-Pro, who has five touchdowns this season, rushed for just 12 yards on five carries.

The Eagles likely will turn to Correll Buckhalter if Westbrook is unable to play.

Buckhalter, who has been plagued by knee injuries for the majority of his career, scored the game's only touchdown on a 20-yard swing pass in the second quarter.