Eagles RB Westbrook sits out practice again

Jan 15, 2009 - 8:43 PM PHILADELPHIA (Ticker) -- Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook missed practice again Thursday due to an ailing knee.

The sixth-seeded Eagles will face the fourth-seeded Arizona Cardinals in the NFC championship game on Sunday.

It was the second straight practice missed by Westbrook, who on Wednesday said taking time off during the week is helping his recovery.

"It helped me a lot, just being able to get my legs and my knees, my ankles a little bit of rest," Westbrook said. "I think it continues to help me recover a little bit better, a little bit more every single week. And so, that's something that I think is playing a big part of me even being able to go out there and play on Sundays."

Westbrook has carried the ball 38 times for just 74 yards this postseason. He has been nursing a chronically swollen knee in addition to the lingering high ankle sprain he suffered earlier in the season.

In his past five games, Westbrook has failed to rush for more than 53 yards and has only one receiving touchdown in that span.

"In any game you go into you're going to be frustrated that you are not 100 percent, but I've been battling injuries all year long," Westbrook said. "I continue to be positive that I can do the things that I need to do to help this team."

The Eagles did get some good news on the injury front Thursday as Pro Bowl safety Brian Dawkins participated fully in practice. Dawkins had been limited on Wednesday due to a back injury.