"If Brian Westbrook generated as many yards as he does words, the 49ers would be flying high. The man with the NFL's most talked about five carries came up as a topic again Friday, when coordinator Mike Johnson renewed the 49ers' pledge to get Westbrook more involved in the offense.

"He's at the point now where he's comfortable," Johnson said as the team prepared for a Monday night road game against the Arizona Cardinals. "So, he's understanding everything we're trying to do, and he's ready."

The 49ers signed Westbrook to a $1.25 million deal, plus incentives, about two weeks into training camp. At the time, he was touted as a versatile option for the 49ers backfield.

Instead, Westbrook has served mostly as a conversation piece. He has produced 9 rushing yards, 38 receiving yards -- and boundless questions about why coaches can't find a more productive use for a two-time Pro Bowl selection who leads NFL running backs with 385 catches since 2004.

In a twist Friday, Johnson no longer bothered saying that the 49ers will try to give Frank Gore a break to keep him fresh. Gore has 198 carries. Next among 49ers running backs is rookie Anthony Dixon, with 10."