"Never.

That's how many times 49ers running back Brian Westbrook was healthy and suited up for a game yet did not play - until Sunday's season opener at Seattle, when he did not play a down in a 31-6 loss.

Not surprisingly, Westbrook is more than a little antsy to make his 49ers debut Monday night against the Saints at Candlestick Park. The question is, can the 49ers keep the score close enough to make Westbrook a change-of-pace option?

"I was prepared to play, just didn't get any opportunities," said Westbrook, a two-time Pro Bowl selection who midway through training camp signed a $1.25 million deal that doubles with incentives.

"It's been a while since I haven't played in a game, man. The situation for me is, whenever my number's called, be prepared and ready to play."

Offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye said that didn't happen in Seattle because of the three-score deficit in the second half. When the 49ers were forced into passing, Raye felt better with Frank Gore in pass protection than with Westbrook, who has been cramming on the new offense for a month."