Although Brian Westbrook will not play this Sunday night against the New York Giants, he is making significant progress in recovery from his second concussion of the season. Head coach Andy Reid is encouraged by the full week of practice that Westbrook put in this week, and believes that the veteran will be back on the field before the end of the season, perhaps as soon as next week.

"He feels pretty good," Reid said of Westbrook. "Coming into (today's) practice he felt good. He went out and he moved around well. It didn't look like there were any setbacks, so that's a good thing.

"I'm just taking it day by day. I just wanted to let him go and see how he was moving and how he felt and just get a feel back out there. I think it is the right thing to do and we'll take it from there."

Reid also noted that Westbrook has been practicing with a new helmet that provides "a little more cushion and protection."

Rookie LeSean McCoy and fullback Leonard Weaver have carried the rushing load in Westbrook's stead with success. When he returns, Westbrook, who is averaging 4.8 yards per carry this season, will give the Eagles a third viable rushing option. Reid said that there is no rush to get Westbrook back onto the field, but he expects Westbrook to be a factor soon enough.

"I just have to hear from the doctors and trainers and then Brian," Reid said. "He went out and he moved around well. It didn't look like there were any setbacks, so that's a good thing.

"Every time he touched the ball, and even when he didn't, he was sprinting the length of the field and getting some work in there. When he did have the ball, he was trying to make some moves and kind of get back into the swing of playing football ... I think it was good for him and it's taking baby steps here, but he was able to make it through these days and felt good."

-- Posted by Bo Wulf, 3:41 p.m., December 11