Brian Westbrook did it all in college -- running back, kick returner, punt returner. In his second NFL season, Westbrook has slowly evolved into that "jack of all trades" guy. If you factor in the touchdown pass he threw against Dallas a year ago, you may even call him the Eagles' "Slash."

But head coach Andy Reid said Friday that he'll keep a close watch on Westbrook to ensure that the second-year sensation does not wear down as the season rolls on.

"I think that each week, he feels a little bit more comfortable," Reid said. "It's important that you don't do too much with him. He's got to make it through the year. He's working a lot of phases of our game. We just have to keep an eye on him."

RB Brian Westbrook

Through four games on offense, Westbrook has carried the ball a team-high 30 times for a team-leading 194 yards, with a 6.5-yard average. He's also been a receiving threat out of the backfield.

Still, the head coach says he's happy with the backfield-by-committee system.

After all, he employed a similar system six games into the 2000 season after Duce Staley went down with a Lis Franc injury, using a group that included player-turned actor-turned player Darnell Autry along with Stanley Pritchett, Brian Mitchell and late in the season, former Cowboy Chris Warren.

"It made me take a step back and say, you're wearing one guy out and you don't want to do that," Reid said. "By the time you get to the end of the season, you'd like to have that same guy that you started the season with."

When Staley returned in 2001, Reid mixed then-rookie Correll Buckhalter into the backfield rotation. Staley, hampered at times by a shoulder injury, averaged 3.6 yards a carry that season and posted career-highs in receptions (63) and receiving yards (626).

"We've had so much success doing it this way. We've been able to keep backs fresh," Reid explained. "We did that with [RB] Duce Staley when he went through that injury phase. We kind of backed off how many reps we were giving him and let some other guys sneak in there and get a few.

RB Duce Staley

"Duce was very successful doing that. As a matter of fact, he was better than he'd ever been."

In 2002, with Buckhalter sidelined, Staley recorded his third 1,000-yard rushing season and topped the 500-yard mark in receiving yards. He did that while sharing time with Westbrook and Dorsey Levens.

So far in 2003, Staley has carried the ball 24 times for 71 yards, and Buckhalter has run 15 times for 28 yards.

Reid knows the value of having multiple options at running back.

"We need all these backs," Reid said. "We need those guys and we're very fortunate to have guys we feel comfortable putting into the game. That part won't change."

As for Westbrook's multiple roles, Reid said that if need be, he would lessen Westbrook's return duties and keep him fresh for offensive snaps; giving Lito Sheppard, Reno Mahe or James Thrash opportunities in the return game.

Injury Updates

Offensive guard will be a game-time decision. He saw limited work, and Reid said he'll keep an eye on Mayberry over the next couple days.

The Pro Bowler is still bothered by an elbow sprain he suffered in the win over Buffalo. He started against the Redskins but left after one series. Bobbie Williams played the remainder of the game and would make his second NFL start Sunday if Mayberry is unable to go.

Asked if he was surprised how long it has taken cornerback Bobby Taylor, who suffered a sprained foot against Tampa Bay, to heal, Reid said:

"Those are tricky injuries. I know he's working like crazy to get back. I don't question that."

On the progress of FS Brian Dawkins, Reid said:

"He's in that boot. That was a big step forward. He actually can bear weight on that and he is walking with a cane. But he is walking. That's the first step. He's getting that weight back on that foot. I think things will speed up as we go."

And finally, on the return of injured defensive end Jerome McDougle, who is still hampered by a high ankle sprain, Reid responded:

"I don't know that. We're just taking that day by day with him. He is making progress. That's one thing we do know. He's working hard at it."