Eagles RB Westbrook out for Sunday

Oct 10, 2008 - 5:56 PM PHILADELPHIA (Ticker) -- Philadelphia Eagles All-Pro running back Brian Westbrook will not play in Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers.

Westbrook, who has been battling a sprained ankle, suffered two fractured ribs in last Sunday's 23-17 loss to the Washington Redskins.

An MRI exam on Monday revealed the injury, which occurred during Philadelphia's opening drive. Westbrook capped the march with a 9-yard scoring run but came off the field pointing to his ribs.

"Brian wants to go. He's in the mindset that he wants to play, but it's a decision that I've got to make," Eagles coach Andy Reid said. "He's a tough nut and I know that. I've got to do what I think is best for him and the football team down the road."

Philadelphia will have a bye the following week and Westbrook could be back after that.

"I think the bye week will help him," Reid said. "I think it will take some of the sting out of that thing. If he were to get hit on it this week, it would slow down the process of healing. It buys him some time so, when we get back, the ankle and ribs are ready to go."

It has been a frustrating start to the season for Westbrook, who played last Sunday despite a sprained right ankle he suffered in a 15-6 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 21.

Westbrook, who is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, already has scored six touchdowns this year. He has rushed for 194 yards on 54 carries and has 14 receptions for 97 yards.

Correll Buckhalter will get his second start of the season. Buckhalter ran for 66 yards and a TD in 24-20 loss to Chicago on September 28.

Reid said wide receiver Reggie Brown also will miss Sunday's game with a groin injury, but added that Kevin Curtis, who has not played since the preseason while recovering from sports hernia surgery, will travel with the team and could play.

"Kevin is doing a good job," Reid said. "He practiced with us today and yesterday with the first group. We are just gradually bringing him back in. He is prepared to play."