According to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Willie Parker “lobbied” the Steeler coaches to play this week. Parker suffered a sprained left knee two weeks ago, which forced him to miss last week's game and will keep him out of tomorrow night's one against the Jaguars.
Parker said this:
“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).”
Keeping him out of the game is a good idea. After losing Rashard Mendenhall for the year, they'll be depending on him even more. With Big Ben struggling to stay healthy, he needs to come back fully healthy and not risking injury, which not letting him play will do. Instead, he'll suit up against the Bengals in two weeks following a bye that Pittsburgh desperately needs despite a 3-1 record.
And I know it's tempting to let him play because of the thin depth in the backfield, but again, the Steelers are doing the right thing here.
With Parker and Mendenhall out, Mewelde Moore, who will start, and new additions Najeh Davenport and Gary Russell will be active at the running back position. Who could predict that these three would be the only backs playing in Week 5 after having Parker and drafting Mendenhall? Not me.
