"Brian Westbrook might be football's most accomplished bench warmer. He has two Pro Bowls and almost 10,000 yards from scrimmage to his credit. All that's earned him with the 49ers is a great seat on game day. Is he healthy? Has he lost a step? Why has he been stuck on the sideline of a team that can't score? Westbrook is ready to answer, big time. He hopes Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Candlestick Park marks his chance to "make some people open their eyes and say, 'We should have got this guy on the doggone field a little earlier.' " Through four games, Westbrook has been on the field for four snaps. A week ago, he lined up for a third-down play against Atlanta -- but his appearance was negated by a timeout. When the 49ers returned to the field after that stoppage, Westbrook's day was done. "The last four weeks I thought I was going to have the opportunity to help this team, but that really hasn't happened for me," Westbrook said Friday. That has to be frustrating. "Definitely frustrating," Westbrook said. "As a player, you always want to play. You always want to help the team. With only four snaps it's really hard to help your team." When Westbrook signed Aug. 16, he was touted as someone who might share the load with starting running back Frank Gore. Coach Mike Singletary and new offensive coordinator Mike Johnson say they look each week for ways to incorporate Westbrook into the game plan. They say the flow of the game has prevented getting him more involved. Gore has 73 carries for 270 yards. Westbrook has one for none. "Frank is a great running back. He's done so many things to help this team win," Westbrook said. "It's hard to take him off the field because he's so explosive with the ball in his hands. You understand that, but you also understand there are spots when you can get in the game. You try to take advantage of those opportunities."" Read more:http://www.mercurynews.com/49ers/ci_16294883?nclick_check=1
