Westbrook: ‘It’s definitely frustrating’

Maybe he’s just reached his breaking point after four weeks of molding on the bench. And perhaps he’s just desperate for a chance to play against his former team.

Whatever the reason, backup running back Brian Westbrook, a week after saying he wasn’t frustrated with his minimal playing time, conceded today that it’s been tough to play just four snaps in the season’s first four games.


“It’s definitely frustrating as a player, you always want to play,” Westbrook said. “You always want to go out there and help the team. But … only having four snaps – it’s really hard to help your team.”

Westbrook spoke two days before the Niners host the Eagles, the franchise Westbrook played for in his first eight seasons in the NFL, compiling 9,785 total yards.

Westbrook, who signed a $1.25 million contract in mid-August, was expected to spell Frank Gore this season while also possibly teaming with Gore in the backfield, a pairing of dynamic, pass-catching backs that, it was thought, could add another dimension to the Niners’ offense.

After four games, though, it hasn’t happened. Westbrook has one carry for no gain and has caught two passes for six yards.

“I’ve been playing in the league for a long time and I’ve made a lot of different plays,” Westbrook said. “I know I still can do those things. I know that. Obviously, I haven’t had the opportunity. So hopefully this week will be the week where I can get some chances, where I can make some people kind of open their eyes and say ‘We should have got this guy on the doggone field a little earlier.'”

Westbrook said he’s received no clarity from the coaching staff regarding his limited role.

Asked if he needed to have that clarity, he said, “It would be nice. But you know I go to work every day, go to meetings, go to practice every day and prepare like I’m going to play. And hopefully at some point I get the opportunity.”

Mike Singletary didn’t provide much clarity when asked if Westbrook would play more Sunday,

“We’ll certainly try to work towards that this week,” he said. “We’ll figure it out. It depends on the game. The tempo of the game, the style of the game and we’ll see. We’re going to try to get him out there. How much I don’t know.”

• RG Chilo Rachal (knee) is probable. Singletary expects him to start if he’s healthy enough to play. Kyle Williams (finger) is questionable. Williams has handled the kickoff- and punt-return duties the past two weeks with Ted Ginn out. Ginn is back and it’s expected that he’ll handle the returns against the Eagles. Singletary said Ginn, who missed three games with a sprained MCL, had a good week of practice.

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