"Why add a no-name camp body when you can have one of the most prolific all-purpose backs of the past decade?

That's exactly why the 49ers signed former Eagles running back Brian Westbrook to the training-camp roster Monday.

They needed a backup for Pro Bowl starter Frank Gore because of Glen Coffee's abrupt retirement Friday. In Westbrook, they have a two-time Pro Bowler with 9,785 yards from scrimmage since 2002.

He runs around the edges. He catches out of the backfield. He scores all over the place. Not bad, as far as mid-August transactions go.

"The fact that he was still there at this point, I'm just thankful that he was an option," said 49ers coach Mike Singletary during an introductory news conference - and name the last time a camp pickup got one of those.

"I said, 'There would be times that Frank has to take a blow. At those times, I'd like you to be ready.' "

Is Westbrook ever, after an offseason of unemployment.

The Eagles released Westbrook, their No. 2 all-time rusher, in February after a season ruined by an ankle injury and two concussions. He had offseason talks with the Rams, Redskins and Broncos before the 49ers dialed into him after Coffee's departure.

Westbrook didn't come for the money, though multiple reports say he'll get $1.25 million in a salary that can double with incentives. He didn't come here to start, because Singletary told him that is not an option as long as Gore is healthy.

Westbrook came to the 49ers because he wanted to play for a winning team, and the Niners (8-8 last season) were close enough. Besides, he feels too healthy again to retire at age 30 years, 11 months.

"I do consider myself an every-down back, a guy that can carry the load, I truly do," he said. "At this point in my career, I think the wise thing for me to do is go to a place that has a guy that can share the load.""