In the spirit of giving and receiving, fullback Leonard Weaver prefers the former.
When asked for the one thing he would like to find under his Christmas tree Friday morning, Weaver said: "My man 'B-West' scoring three touchdowns sometime this year, in one game."
While that's something that can't be found in a mall, it's something that certainly seems more feasible now than over a month ago when Brian Westbrook sustained a second concussion.
Westbrook has practiced fully so far this week and appears likely to play Sunday. And Weaver, for one, is looking forward to his return.
"It's going to mean a lot because you have to defend Brian," Weaver said. "I think he's going to bring another dimension. He's very elusive. He can catch the ball, run the ball ... It's going to be great to see him back out there. I can't wait. I'm pretty excited for him."
Westbrook has played in just six games this season and averaged a healthy 4.8 yards per carry in those games. In his last outing, Nov. 15 at San Diego, Westbrook averaged 4.7 yards on six rushing attempts before exiting the game. He has averaged 8.2 yards receiving on 19 catches.
"There's a lot of things that Brian does and brings to the table," Weaver said. "He has that quickness, he has the speed, he has the ability to be able to run routes from the wide receiver set, so your ability to be able to expand your offensive playbook is created."
Weaver, along with rookie LeSean McCoy, has helped shoulder the load in tbe backfield with Westbrook out. In fact, last week against San Francisco, Weaver rushed a career-high 17 times for 52 yards. In three other games Westbrook has missed, Weaver carried the ball at least eight times. The result has been a career season, including career highs in rushing yards (301), total touchdowns (4) and rushing touchdowns (2).
Weaver acknowledged that Westbrook's return could mean less opportunities in the running game and more work as both a blocker and as a receiver out of the backfield.
"That's what they brought me here to do and I'm excited doing it," Weaver said.
As for his Christmas wish, Weaver says he would welcome another opportunity to play in the Super Bowl.
"You definitely can't get that at the mall," he said. "That takes hard word, dedication and sacrifice and right now that's what we're working on."
-- Posted by Bob Kent, 8:00 a.m., December 25
