Was that Brian Westbrook? Tough to see Route 36 traffic being detoured onto Route 20.

Watching the preseason game Sunday night between the 49ers and the Vikings, the camera broke from the center of the action that was Brett Favre to show the crowded San Francisco sideline. There in the gathering of bright red uniforms on the Candlestick turf was familiar No. 20. Wait, what? Yeah, you know, familiar No. 20, formerly of the Eagles’ backfield.

Yes, that was Brian Westbrook centering the group of players shown on the screen.

And just like that, Westbrook, one of best and exciting Eagles running backs, became a third-stringer wearing his old college number, as No. 36 was taken by Shawntae Spencer, the seven-year veteran cornerback from western Pennsylvania.

Yes, we all know that Brian Westbrook signed with the 49ers on August 17. No, there wasn't the fan backlash that resulted when the organization let beloved safety Brian Dawkins go to the Broncos. Dawkins left for a better deal and a starting spot. It was still disconcerting to see Westbrook on another team.

The back that was so explosive out of Villanova, whose quickness was so difficult to imagine ever disappearing, had seen the pounding that an NFL career inflicts catch up with him. And now, seeing him on the San Fran sideline, reduced to third-string, seems an unfitting end.

Money? Sure, that's likely the reason he extended his career. But, trading the possibility of damage from more concussions for spending time on his Maryland horse farm and preserving the memories of the high level of performance he established in Philadelphia seems unwise. It was time to move on from Philly, but not to another NFL team.

-- RICHARD WAY
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