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The Vikings lost Chester Taylor in the offseason, and although they traded up to draft Toby Gerhart in the second round, he's not a prototypical passing-downs back. Here's one guy who is: Brian Westbrook.
Westbrook is still unsigned, and although the Vikings have a need for his skill-set and coach Brad Childress is familiar with Westbrook from their time together in Philadelphia, Minnesota hasn't been seen as a likely landing spot. It's been widely reported that Westbrook would prefer not to play on artificial turf, given his age and recent injury history.
But according to this blog at NFL.com, those reports have been overblown. Westbrook has been working out with several veteran players, including Visanthe Shiancoe, and is receptive to playing for the Vikings.
"He looks really good," says Shiancoe. "He’s getting in training camp shape.” According to the Minnesota tight end, Westbrook said he'd have "no problem" playing for the Vikings.
Often times, that kind of talk is cheap. Unemployed veterans seldom rule out playing for any team, at least publicly. Since Westbrook doesn't have a job, why would he rule out signing with one of the NFC's best teams in an offense he's comfortable in simply because of the surface they play on?
Minnesota may be prepared to use Gerhart and/or Adrian Peterson in that role; Gerhart has decent hands and can develop as a pass-blocker. But for a team poised for another run at a Super Bowl, adding a player like Westbrook -- if he's healthy -- would make a lot of sense. Might make sense for Westbrook, too.
--Andy Richardson
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Posted by Duane Stay | Jul. 10 at 04:12 AM
This makes sense. If he gets hurt again put him on IR and move on. If he doesn't get hurt he's a weapon!
Posted by DAVID DIGREGORIO | Jul. 11 at 01:58 AM
His production was way down for a long time prior to the concussion. Stay away.
Posted by IAN ALLAN | Jul. 11 at 03:33 AM
I don't think he can play anymore. I think it would be a poor move for the Vikings. Better, I think, to just give that playing time to Gerhart.