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Eagles head coach Andy Reid said Friday that three of his most important offensive players will miss the game Sunday against the 49ers.
RB Brian Westbrook, ORG Shawn Andrews and WR Reggie Brown will not make the trip to San Francisco, which fits in line with Reid’s policy for injured players not traveling.
Westbrook is still bothered by two broken ribs, and though he was optimistic he could play this week, Reid made the tough decision to shut him down. The Eagles have a bye next week.
“Brian wants to go,” Reid said. “He’s in the mindset that he wants to play, but it’s a decision that I’ve got to make. He’s a tough nut, and I know that. I’ve got to do what I think is best for him and the football team down the road. It made the decision a little easier for me than it is for him. Obviously, he wants to contribute and compete.
“I think the bye week will help him. I think it will take some of the sting out of that thing. If he were to get hit on it this week, it would slow down the process of healing. It buys him some time so, when we get back, the ankle and ribs are ready to go. It will be smooth sailing here.”
Andrews has missed most of the past four games with a lower back injury, and the Eagles have scored more points in the six quarters he did play than when he was hurt. Asked about Andrews’ injury, Reid had a quick response: “Still the same.”
Brown had been productive the past two games since his return from a hamstring injury, catching 10 passes for 163 yards. Reid said there was a chance that WR Kevin Curtis, who had preseason surgery to correct a sports hernia, could make his season debut this weekend.
“Kevin is doing a good job,” Reid said. “He will travel and be with us. He practiced with us today and yesterday with the first group. We are just gradually bringing him back in. He is prepared to play.”
“We will see when we get there how it all works out.”
Reid also said that DE Juqua Parker is feeling better and should play Sunday.
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