Thursday, September 10, 2009

What to do with Pierre Thomas & Brian Westbrook in Week 1?

As we approach Week 1, two of the most versatile running backs in the NFL are each battling nagging injuries and are thus driving their owners bonkers.

On Thursday we heard that Thomas (knee) participated in the portion of practice that was open to the media.  Not only did this come just three days before the Saints opener against Detroit, this was the first time Thomas has practiced since hurting the knee in the second exhibition game on Aug. 22. He tweeted that he expects to play Sunday but against a team as bad as the Lions, in which they should have a big lead early on, how much will he play even if he is healthy?  They may play him until the lead is safe, then toss Mike Bell into action just to run the clock out.

As far as Westbrook, the Eagles would seem to be taking it easy with the all-everything back.  They face a stiffer test in their opener against the Panthers, however with LeSean McCoy a capable backup, Westbrook will be utilized in the most opportune spots.  Westbrook is a great bet to score, even if he only gets 15 touches.  He can score in any number of ways and always plays hurt.

Our advise is to play Westbrook, bench Thomas, and keep a close eye on Mike Bell when Thomas' status is revealed.

What would you do?

UPDATE
-Westbrook was a late addition to the Eagles injury report, however it sounds like just a precautionary tag by the Eagles.
-Jonathan Stewart (Achilles) practiced for the second straight day Thursday.
-Saints coach Sean Payton revealed that Pierre Thomas (knee) did not participate in team drills on Thursday.  Consider Pierre out until further notice and run to the wire to snag Mike Bell.

No comments:

Post a Comment