"If ... Brian Westbrook is healthy and can do the things he used to do and is willing to be less than a full-time back ... then the Redskins would be wise to sign him.

However, that's one big if. And, not to mention, a lot of them.

That's why we're dubious about the Redskins desire to sign the former Philadelphia standout. Could this just be a favor to Westbrook? After all, he's scheduled to appear at an event at Spingarn High School on Wednesday night with ... Redskins general manager Bruce Allen.

Nonetheless, Washington will entertain the DeMatha grad, and brother of Redskins corner Byron, on Wednesday. Which says one thing, if it's serious: The Redskins know they need to find a legitimate third-down back. Even if Clinton Portis can do most of what's needed -- great blocker, OK receiver -- the Redskins would be smart to limit how much he does. And neither Larry Johnson nor Willie Parker qualifies as a third-down back.

Westbrook does, though he also is coming off yet another injury-filled season. In the past, he could fight through some of them, but last year a concussion and knee and ankle woes limited him to eight games. He has already passed one physical this offseason, with St. Louis."