Steelers' Parker is 'almost' 100 percent

Steelers' Parker is 'almost' 100 percent
By Scott Brown
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Saturday, October 4, 2008
[url="http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/steelers/s_591548.html"]http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsbu ... 91548.html[/url]

Willie Parker lobbied the coaches to play Sunday, but the Steelers running back said he understands their decision to sit him for a second consecutive game.

Parker, who sprained his left knee two weeks ago, said he is almost at full strength and that the coaches are holding him out of the Jaguars game as a precaution.

Barring a setback, Parker said he will play against the Bengals on Oct. 19, which follows the Steelers' bye week.

"I know I could play this week," said Parker, who has rushed for 263 yards and three touchdowns on 66 carries. "(The coaches) know I could play this week. I think it's best that I do sit out and relax and then come back (after the bye)."

Mewelde Moore will start in place of Parker on Sunday. Najeh Davenport and Gary Russell will also be a part of the patchwork rotation at running back that the Steelers plan to use in Jacksonville.

Fullback Carey Davis, who can also play running back, is not expected to play in Sunday's 8:15 p.m. game. Davis, who sprained his left ankle in the Steelers' 23-20 win over the Ravens this past Monday, is still on crutches.

Perilously thin at running back -- rookie Rashard Mendenhall (shoulder fracture) was lost for the season in the Ravens' game -- the Steelers signed Davenport and Russell earlier this week.

The two were added to the 53-man roster because of their familiarity with the Steelers' offense and to bolster the running game while Parker is sidelined.

Parker did some running on his own Friday during the Steelers' final practice of the week.

"I'm back full speed," two two-time Pro Bowler said, "cutting and everything."

Scott Brown can be reached at [email="sbrown@tribweb.com"]sbrown@tribweb.com[/email] or 412-481-5432.

So.....why is he not playing? I just don't understand? If he is to the point where he is cutting and running full speed, and he feels like he can play then why not let him play? I don't know? I do know one thing though the season is only 16 games and I don't see the sense in giving one away!

:2c

If he is still sore...it is probably best he sit. If he flares the knee back up...we could be in trouble. Personally, I would dress him and only use him in case of an emergency, let him get 2 weeks rest and then go into the rest of the season 100%.

[quote=ShawnMedGuy]If he is still sore...it is probably best he sit. If he flares the knee back up...we could be in trouble. Personally, I would dress him and only use him in case of an emergency, let him get 2 weeks rest and then go into the rest of the season 100%.[/quote]

I have to agree with you Doc, but I think even if we sit him two weeks I have a sneaking suspicion that there is more than you and I are being told.
As evidenced by: When he was injured in Philly, he was not assisted off the field, he looked more drawn out than injured at the time. I'm suspecting a little more than sprain.
Have to agree with you mostly, dress him but dont even use him. There is no emergency worth the longterm risk.
BTW,
On brighter note, I do believe our defense dares Gerrard to beat them with HIS legs.
So they can simply make the man fart teeth on Monday.

[quote=ShawnMedGuy]If he is still sore...it is probably best he sit. If he flares the knee back up...we could be in trouble. Personally, I would dress him and only use him in case of an emergency, let him get 2 weeks rest and then go into the rest of the season 100%.[/quote]

Agreed. Rest him another week, give him the bye and then bring him back against the porous Bengals.

The Jags pass rush and secondary are awful...Ben should light them up despite minimal contributions from the running game. And there should be some swing passes, screens, etc to Moore and Davenport too.

[quote=stlrz d][quote=ShawnMedGuy]If he is still sore...it is probably best he sit. If he flares the knee back up...we could be in trouble. Personally, I would dress him and only use him in case of an emergency, let him get 2 weeks rest and then go into the rest of the season 100%.[/quote]

Agreed. Rest him another week, give him the bye and then bring him back against the porous Bengals.

The Jags pass rush and secondary are awful...Ben should light them up despite minimal contributions from the running game. And there should be some swing passes, screens, etc to Moore and Davenport too.[/quote]

:Agree Moore was signed to be our 3rd down back this season, while Najeh was the 3rd down back last year. The fact that they are both adept at swing passes, screens, draw plays, etc. could force Arians' hand to actually use those kind of plays instead of just running his RB directly up the middle of the line into John Henderson.

[quote=ShawnMedGuy]If he is still sore...it is probably best he sit. If he flares the knee back up...we could be in trouble. Personally, I would dress him and only use him in case of an emergency, let him get 2 weeks rest and then go into the rest of the season 100%.[/quote]

Agree 100%. Knees are too serious to rush him back. Even though he may feel 100% running and cutting that is different running and trying to generate power after contact.

Best to get him back 100% for the run to the play offs.