The problem is that there is plenty of reason to doubt how much help the hobbled Westbrook can offer. And if all things were equal ? if backup running back Correll Buckhalter also wasn't hurt ? a case could be made for Westbrook being more hindrance than help right now with his ankle aching and his knees swollen.

Westbrook has averaged just 44.5 yards per game in the four games since he rushed for a season-best 167 yards against Atlanta, and it isn't because of a lack of opportunities. He had 20 carries for 61 yards at Seattle, 13 carries for 26 yards against the New York Giants , 14 carries for 60 yards Cincinnati, and 14 carries for 39 yards in last Sunday's 36-7 loss at Baltimore.

McNabb also struggled, and the Eagles (5-5-1) were 1-2-1 in those games.

Westbrook, who missed two games earlier this season because of injuries, acknowledged Tuesday that "there is a point reached" where it can be counter-productive to keep an obviously injured player on the field.

"I don't think we're at the point where [coach Andy Reid] would take me out completely, especially with our injury situation," Westbrook said before sitting out practice. "I still think I can help out this team, whether it's picking up the blitz or running or catching the ball."

With Buckhalter expected out because of a sprained knee, the Eagles' other alternative is Lorenzo Booker, who was designated inactive the last three games after rushing 16 times for 32 yards in the first eight.

Booker, acquired from Miami in an offseason trade, has had trouble picking up his assignments in pass protection, coach Andy Reid said Monday.

"We saw him at training camp making plays, making people miss," Westbrook said. "He's very quick. He hasn't been in there enough to pick up the blitzes and different things like that. Those are things that, during this week, he has to cram in and watch film to try to understand the blitzes a lot better. He's a dynamic player, a player who can make a difference. He just needs more time out there on the field."

So desperate are the Eagles for depth at running back that it would not be a surprise if Kyle Eckel is activated for the first time since signing last month and, after playing fullback and special teams last year for New England, sees his first action as a true running back since his college career at the Naval Academy.

The running backs' health and depth would not be quite so big of an issue if McNabb was not struggling. But the quarterback was benched for the second half of Sunday's loss.

"We have been in better positions than we are now, but we are still going to go out there and do what we can," Westbrook said. "[McNabb] is going to have a great game. Hopefully, I will go out and have a good game as well, and be able to provide this offense some energy and some playmaking ability."

McNabb -- after acknowledging he has to take on less sense of a burden ? said it will be up to others to make up for Buckhalter's absence and whatever Westbrook is lacking.

"When you look at the situation with our running backs being a little banged up, that's just more reason for myself, the tight ends and the receivers to make sure we're efficient," McNabb said. "And, whoever's asked to run the ball, to make sure they see the hole and run through it. As far as pressure, I don't see it as added pressure. I have to do my job and everyone else has to do theirs."

larry.orourke@mcall.com

610-820-6779

THURSDAY'S GAME

Who: Cardinals at Eagles

When: 8:15 p.m.

TV: ABC

Radio: WCTO-FM 96.1

Inside: Steelers have pile of injuries, too, C4