Might as well get used to it. The annoying “Gametime Decision” tag isn’t being removed from Eagles running back Brian Westbrook anytime soon. One of the game’s most dynamic, dual-threat running backs just happens to be one of the most slightly built and most heavily used. Sore ribs are the most recent nuissance, an ailment that doesn’t promise to get better in the coming weeks.

So, the big red “Q” next to Westbrook’s name is going to be a fixture. More than that, fantasy owners have already been burnt by one early exit and one DNP, making it hard to trust Westbrook on a weekly basis. That’s a hard cycle to break, the “damned if you do, damned if you don’t” scenario, where you risk big points on your bench or another early exit in your lineup that can lose a weekly matchup.

At this point, a fantasy owner isn’t left with many options. Be extra diligent leading up to kickoff on Sunday and hope for the best. Trading Westbrook away at rock bottom value is not wise. Recklessly playing him without considering how he fared in practice is even worse. Benching him for lack of trust is also a bad move because there’s an excellent chance he burns you.

Depth at running back comes in handy right about now. Viable options and matchup plays can help ease Westbrook in and out of your lineup as needed. And maybe, just maybe, through all this torture, Westbrook will end up being as healthy as ever in time for the fantasy playoffs. If he does, that third overall pick will still be worth it.

In other NFC East news …

Adam “Pacman” Jones was reportedly involved in an altercation at a hotel early Wednesday morning, according to the Dallas Morning News. While the Cowboys won’t discipline him, the distraction won’t be welcome, especially in conjunction with the sports hernia diagnosis for fellow corner back Terence Newman.

Not good news for the Cowboys, but it sure is for the Arizona Cardinals in Week 6. Specifically, wide receiver Steve Breaston should find the going easier with Newman out, making another 100-yard performance a high likelihood. This one could turn into a shootout in Arizona, which is always a breath of fresh air in fantasy.

Meanwhile, the Redskins face the NFL’s worst scoring offense and defense in winless St. Louis, making a 5-1 start a near-slam dunk. But, it is dangerous to assume gigantic days for every member of the Washington offense. You just never know how a different vibe under new coach Jim Haslett will affect the Rams’ play.

Owners of Redskins players, be excited for the matchup, but don’t get too carried away. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that the Rams are doing more conditioning and practicing with more tempo under Haslett. Who knows what that means, but the NFL has consistently provided huge surprises every week.

More dirt is being dug up on Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress, as the New York Post is reporting an ongoing dispute between Burress and a rental car company in New Jersey. The talented, but troubled receiver is getting hit from all angles as he returns from the team’s two-week suspension.

The recent troubles should be all but forgotten on Sunday, though, as a hungry Burress should have a big day against Cleveland.