Westbrook to be a game-time decision

October 28, 3:00 PMPhiladelphia Eagles ExaminerGordie Jones

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Eagles running back Brian Westbrook, who suffered a concussion in the first quarter of Monday night’s 27-17 victory in Washington, still had “a very mild headache” on Wednesday, according to head athletic trainer Rick Burkholder.

Westbrook did not practice, and coach Andy Reid said he will be a game-time decision Sunday, when the Birds host the Giants.

“I know Brian’s going to want to play,” Reid said, “but unless Brian’s tests come back to a position where he can play then we won’t (allow him to) do that.”

Burkholder said Westbrook, who was not made available to reporters Wednesday, has been “super compliant” with the treatment plan, and that the lines of communication remain open between the veteran running back, the training staff and team internist Dr. Gary Dorshimer.

“He didn’t fight me to play (after he was injured),” Burkholder said. “He’s not fighting me right now to play.”

Westbrook was knocked cold when he was accidentally kneed in the head by Redskins linebacker London Fletcher at the end of a first-quarter run. Burkholder estimated that Westbrook lost consciousness for perhaps 20 seconds.

“He remembers being in the huddle,” he said. “He remembers the play being called, and then he doesn’t remember until he wakes up.”

But once he did, Burkholder said, “He knew everything. He knew where he was. He knew his brother (Byron, a Redskins defensive back) was in front of him. He knew Coach Reid was behind me. He knew everything.”

Westbrook’s memory lapse is “not a big indicator” of the severity of his concussion, Burkholder said. A bigger concern would have been if Westbrook didn’t remember what happened after the hit.

“He has none of that,” Burkholder said.

NFL rules do not permit a player to return to a game after he has been knocked unconscious. And the Eagles follow strict guidelines before allowing someone to return in subsequent weeks.

“The grading system (of concussions) to us doesn’t matter,” Burkholder said. “It’s all symptoms.”

As with other players, Westbrook will not do anything until his headache subsides. Once it does, Burkholder will put him through a workout. If his symptoms do not recur, he will do football activities. If he passes that test, he will be allowed to practice. And if he’s OK after that, he will be allowed to play.