Brian Westbrook gained 72 total yards and scored a touchdown last weekend after sitting out the entire preseason.

He followed that up with a week of practice. And, perhaps the most encouraging, news of the week was that Westbrook's name did not appear on the team's practice/injury report.

With all of the talk focused on the quarterback situation, Westbrook has quietly gone about his business.

Meanwhile, he continues to rewrite the franchise record books.

Entering Sunday's game against the Saints, Westbrook is a mere 75 rushing yards shy of tying Steve Van Buren for second place on the franchise's all-time rushing list. He is also 754 yards away from becoming the franchise's all-time leading rusher.

Last week at Carolina, Westbrook played in his 100th regular season game as an Eagle, tying Wilbert Montgomery for third place in team history among running backs. He also scored his 29th career receiving touchdown, moving past Fred Barnett and into 10th place in team history.

Some wondered if Westbrook would be ready for the 2009 season, whether the Westbrook who became one of the most feared players in the NFL could ever again reach that level.

He began to answer those questions in the season opener at Carolina, averaging almost 5 yards a carry on 13 carries and finishing with 64 yards rushing, including bursts of 17 and 16 yards. He added a touchdown on one of his 3 catches.

And Westbrook spent the last quarter and a half watching from the sideline.

Sunday figures to be different for Westbrook and Co.

"For his first time out, I thought he did some good things. I was able to get him some reps in there, and at the same time, get him some rest that second half," head coach Andy Reid said. "It was good to get him in there, and we'll just keep adding to it."

-- By Bob Kent, 7 p.m., September 19