Westbrook running into the spotlight.(Knight Ridder Newspapers)

Byline: Jennifer Floyd Engel

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. _ Brian Westbrook saved Eagles teammate Donovan McNabb $4,797.62 on Sunday.

"Like he needs more money, right?" Westbrook said with a wink.

McNabb had promised to fly Westbrook to Hawaii with him _ which is running almost $5,000 for a first-class ticket from Philadelphia to Honolulu _ for Pro Bowl festivities back in December, when voters ignored the Eagles running back in favor of Shaun Alexander, Tiki Barber and Ahman Green. But Westbrook, the second alternate, was added to the team Sunday _ Alexander and first alternate Clinton Portis declined to play because of injuries _ meaning the NFL is picking up the ticket and McNabb is off the hook.

"I can save my money," McNabb said. "I'm excited to see that finally he's getting rewarded for the things he's been able to do."

Because there are a lot of things Westbrook is able to do, like run the ball with the best of the running backs, catch the ball coming out of the backfield with the impact of a receiver and return punts like a single-minded specialist. He does all of this in relative anonymity.

Terrell Owens is the Eagle you hear about. McNabb is the Eagle you know about. All the while it is Westbrook whom the Eagles cannot do without.