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Willie Parker #39 | Running Back | Pittsburgh Steelers
Height: 5-10    Weight: 209    Born: Nov 11, 1980, Clinton, NC

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Newsbreakers
November 6, 2009
Willie Parker (turf toe) is not expected to be at 100 percent health for the rest of the season, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

Our View:Not a good recipe for fantasy value when you are already backing up Rashard Mendenhall. Parker is now only worth owning in very deep leagues.
November 2, 2009
Willie Parker missed Steelers practice on Monday with an illness, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Our View:As has been the case the past few weeks, Parker is not likely to be the Steelers' feature back when they take on the Broncos next Monday night. Parker is now a handcuff for Rashard Mendenhall, not vice versa.
October 25, 2009
Willie Parker is not likely to be back with the Steelers in 2010, according to ESPN.

Our View:Obviously not a surprise, considering the ascension of Rashard Mendenhall and the step lost by Parker. He may even have a hard time getting a back-up job next season. The world is a cruel place for aging running backs.
October 22, 2009
Willie Parker is still dealing with the turf toe injury that has limited for much of the past few weeks, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Our View:So far the injury has kept him out of two games and lost him his starting job. So don't ever let anyone tell you turf toe is not a serious injury. He should get somewhere in the neighborhood of 8-to-10 carries this weekend.
October 20, 2009
Mike Tomlin confirmed that Willie Parker has fallen behind Rashard Mendenhall on the Steelers depth chart, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

Our View:Parker missed two games due to turf toe and managed just 26 yards on seven carries against the Browns last week. Mendenhall has played well over the past three weeks, all starts for the second year back.
October 16, 2009
Steelers' running back Willie Parker is being listed as probable for this week's game against the browns, according to the Twitter page of NFL writer Adam Caplan. Parker is expected to play, but he will not start, as Rashard Mendenhall will get the nod again.

Our View:It should be interesting to see how the Steelers use Parker this week, especially if Mendenhall keeps tering up opposing defenses. Mendenhall is the better fantasy play here, and Parker should probably remain on your bench until his role is established.
October 15, 2009
Willie Parker fully practiced for the second straight day Thursday, according to the Browns' official website.

Our View:Parker looks to be good to go for Sunday's home game against Cleveland. The Browns' defense is ranked 29th in total yards allowed per game.
October 15, 2009
According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Willie Parker has been fitted with a special shoe to protect his turf toe that he'll wear for the rest of the week.

Our View:Fast Willie is expected to play against the Browns on Sunday, and should benefit from the toe-stabilizing shoe, but Rashard Mendenhall has been very good in his absence and will likely get most of the carries. Parker will factor in, but Mendenhall is clearly the superior fantasy player at this point.
October 14, 2009
Willie Parker fully practiced Wednesday, according to the Browns' official website.

Our View:Parker has been dealing with a painful turf toe injury, but is expected to take the field in Week 6 against Cleveland. Parker will split carries with Rashard Mendenhall, who has performed very well over the last two weeks.
October 13, 2009
Updating a previous report, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review is reporting that Willie Parker is expected to play in the team's Week 6 game against the Browns. Parker has been out for two weeks with turf toe.

Our View:Coach Mike Tomlin said Parker will practice on Wednesday and is expected to play this week as long as he is able. Parker will share carries with Rashard Mendenhall when he returns, so his fantasy value won't be great this week while he is still less than 100 percent.
October 12, 2009
Steelers' running back Willie Parker didn't want to talk about his availability for next week after the team's win over the Lions on Sunday, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. "It's too early to talk about that right now," Parker said. "We're definitely taking it day by day."

Our View:The Steelers' don't seem to be in a huge hurry to bring Willie back, mainyl because of the outstanding play of Rashard Mendenhall over the last two weeks. Mendenhall looks like the more effective runner at this point, and he will likely still get his share of carries when Parker returns. Parker owners might want to start shopping him as he nears a return, as his fantasy prospects don't look great going forward this season.
October 11, 2009
As expected, Willie Parker (toe) is inactive for the Week 5 game against the Lions. Rashard Mendenhall will start in his place.

Our View:As fantasy owners already know, Mendenhall is a strong fantasy start this week. Parker remains questionable moving forward, as turf toe tends to linger.
October 9, 2009
According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Steelers' running back Willie Parker missed practice again on Friday and will not play in this week's game against the Lions. Rashard Mendenhall will make his second consecutive start in place of Parker.

Our View:Parker hasn't practiced all week, but he said he hopes to be able to go next week against the Browns. The team announced that Parker will remain the team's start when he returns, but another big day by Mendenhall will hurt Parker's fantasy value significantly.
October 9, 2009
The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review is reporting that Steelers' offensive coordinator Bruce Arians told the media that Willie Parker will remain the starting running back when he is healthy. Parker has been sidelined by turf toe and was replaced last week by Rashard Mendenhall.

Our View:After Mendenhall's breakout performance against the Steelers last week, many people believed that Parker's time as the starting running back were close to numbered in Pittsburgh. Arians said that Parker is a known commodity, and at this point in his career Mendenhall has proven to be inconsistent. Parker owners should be encouraged by this news, but if Mendenhall keeps producing while Willie is out, we could have a situation on our hands.
October 7, 2009
Willie Parker did not practice today while still hindered by his toe injury, according to the Associated Press.

Our View:Parker is not optimistic of playing in Week 5 at Detroit. Rashard Mendenhall would start at running back in his absence, and is coming off a big game against San Diego.
October 6, 2009
Willie Parker is expected to practice on a limited basis this week, according to ESPN.

Our View:Parker missed Week 4 with a toe injury, and how he fares in practice will determine if he can return this weekend in a favorable matchup at Detroit.
October 4, 2009
Willie Parker headlines the list of Steelers who will be unable to go on Sunday night against the Chargers. Joining him on the pine will be safety Troy Polamalu, wide receiver Limas Sweed, tight end David Johnson, defensive back Keenan Lewis, guard Kraig Urbik, tackle Tony Hills and quarterback Dennis Dixon.

Our View:Parker is dealing with turf toe. Turf toe is an injury that can linger for a good deal of time, so he might not be healthy for Week 5, either.
October 3, 2009
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that running back Willie Parker will not play in Sunday's game against the Chargers due to a turf toe injury.

Our View:Fast Willie is officially listed as doubtful, but the Steelers have come out and said that he won't play. Rashard Mendenhall will get the start, but he'll split carries with Mewelde Moore. Mendenhall is not the best play this week as he's been in coach Mike Tomlin's doghouse and the pass catching Moore will see a glut of touches.
October 2, 2009
According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, running back Willie Parker sat out Friday's practice with his toe injury. Parker has missed all three team practices this week, and it doesn't appear he will play this weekend.

Our View:Parker hasn't been officially ruled out of the game, but it looks almost certain that he will be on the sidelines. It will be interesting to see in coach Mike Tomlin gives the start to Rashard Mendenhall after benching him last week, but we will keep you updated on who will start if and when Parker is officially ruled out.
October 1, 2009
NFL writer Jim Wexell is reporting on Twitter that Steelers' running back Willie Parker missed practice again on Thursday due to his toe injury.

Our View:Parker has been saying that he plans to play Sunday night, but you have to be concerned that he hasn't practiced at all this week. This is a situation to monitor closely, so Parker owners need to check back tomorrow to see if he practices.
September 30, 2009
Willie Parker sat out today's practice while dealing with a painful turf toe injury, according to Scout.com.

Our View:Parker noted that he had the injury before, and expects to be ready to go in Sunday night's battle with the Chargers at Heinz Field. The veteran running back cannot afford to miss any action with Rashard Mendenhall pushing him for playing time.
September 29, 2009
Dealing with turf toe, Willie Parker could miss some practice time this week, according to ESPN.

Our View:Supposedly, Parker's turf toe is of the minor variety, but the injury is infamous for lingering. If he is unable to go Sunday, Rashard Mendenhall will start in his place.
September 27, 2009
Willie Parker rushed 25 times for 93 yards in the Week 3 loss to the Bengals. He mainly helped fantasy teams by catching two passes for 36 yards and a touchdown.

Our View:Remember all that talk during the week about Parker giving up touches to his backups? Yeah, that didn't happen, yet. Parker remains the workhorse, and he pulled off two big gains (24, 27 yards) this Sunday.
September 20, 2009
Willie Parker (hamstring) was only at 85 percent healthy in the Week 1 game against Tennessee, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Our View:Parker, who only compiled 19 yards on 13 carries last week is completely healthy now, but will reportedly share more of the load with Rashard Mendenhall and Mewelde Moore at Chicago, who surrendered only 76 rushing yards to the Packers last Sunday night.
September 18, 2009
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is reporting that the Steelers will use a running back rotation for their Week 2 game against the Bears. Willie Parker will rotate with Rashard Mendenhall with Mewelde Moore entering the game in obvious passing downs.

Our View:Parker has been slowed this week by a minor injury, and he no longer looks like "Fast Willie Parker." If Mendenhall can put together some nice runs early, don't be shocked if he starts to see more time as the game goes on. Mendenhall hasn't shown much up to this point, so Parker should be safe until he does so.
September 15, 2009
Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette believes that Willie Parker is dealing with a minor hamstring ailment.

Our View:The Steelers are yet to indicate that Parker is nursing a hamstring ailment, but that would explain why he only averaged 1.5 rushing yards over 13 carries in Week 1 against Tennessee. Stay tuned for further updates.
September 10, 2009
Willie Parker gained just 19 yards on 13 carries in Thursday's 13-10 win over the Titans.

Our View:Fast Willie was anything but on Thursday. He managed a long of eight yards, so that should tell you what he did with the other 12 carries, and later in the game he was replaced as the every-down back by Mewelde Moore. It's possible that Parker is still feeling the effects of a preseason hamstring injury, so think hard before starting him against the Bears next week.
August 29, 2009
Willie Parker was held out of the team's third preseason game on Saturday night with a bum hamstring, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Our View:Parker's absence is just a precaution, and he is under no threat from Rashard Mendenhall for his starting job.
August 27, 2009
Willie Parker is questionable for Saturday's preseason game against the Bills, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He is nursing a hamstring ailment.

Our View:The injury is believed to be minor, but is worth monitoring as Parker missed six regular season games over the last two seasons.
August 15, 2009
Willie Parker returned to practice Saturday after missing some time with back spasms, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Our View:Head coach Mike Tomlin stated that Parker will play in next Saturday's preseason game against the Redskins. Rashard Mendenhall is not yet considered a threat to push Parker out of the starting role at running back.
August 14, 2009
Willie Parker has missed practice time this week while dealing with back spasms, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Our View:Parker was held out of Thursday's preseason game, but his injury is believed to be minor. Second-year pro Rashard Mendenhall is getting more practice reps in his absence.
August 9, 2009
Willie Parker is believed to be nearing his return to the practice field, according to ESPN. He is dealing with back spasms.

Our View:Parker could return as early as Monday. Second-year pro Rashard Mendenhall is benefiting with more reps at running back while Parker is out.
August 8, 2009
The Associated Press reports that Steelers' back Willie Parker sat out Saturday's practice with back spasms.

Our View:The team doesn't feel the injury is serious, but you have to be cautious when dealing with a player who missed five games last season due to injury. Fast Willie will need to get back on the field soon though, as he is in a contract year.
May 2, 2009
Running back Willie Parker showed up at camp on Friday and says he hasn't thought about holding out even though he is entering the final year of his contract. "That hasn't crossed my mind," Parker tells the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "I just have to come out and get ready to play. It's not about holding out. I have to make the best decision, and the best decision is to be around the team and help out the best way possible." He adds that his body feels strong after adding Pilates to his offseason workout regimen.

Our View:We just assume at this point that players of Parker's caliber and contract status will hold out. It's nice to see Willie taking the stance of actually living up to his contract and showing up. How refreshing.
February 1, 2009
Running back Willie Parker didn't quite have the same impact Sunday in Super Bowl XLIII as he did three years ago in the big game against Seattle, when he set a Super Bowl record for the longest touchdown run from scrimmage. Parker finished the Steelers' 27-23 win over the Cardinals with 53 yards on 19 carries, good for a 2.8 yard-per-carry average.

Our View:Parker was largely ineffective in Pittsburgh's final two postseason wins, gaining 100 yards on 43 carries, or 2.3 yards a pop. In the divisional round against the Chargers, Parker ran for 146 yards on 27 attempts.
February 1, 2009
The Sporting News indicates that Willie Parker could be the wild card in Super Bowl XLIII. They point out that he has looked good in practice over the past two weeks and two of his best games this year have come in the past three games. He rushed for 146 yards in the divisional round playoff game against the Chargers and went for 116 yards in the season finale against the Browns.

Our View:Parker has never been on the losing side of a playoff game. He is currently 6-0. The Cardinals would be wise to keep their attention focused on the player who holds the longest running play in Super Bowl history - a 75 yard touchdown run in Super Bowl XL.
January 29, 2009
Mike Tomlin has been named the Motorola Coach of the Year, according to TSN.

Our View:Tomlin led the Steelers to the Super Bowl in his second campaign as their head coach. The club went 12-4 in the regular season, and held the No. 2 seed in the AFC. The 36-year-old coach beat Tom Coughlin (Giants), Jeff Fisher (Titans), Mike Smith (Falcons), John Harbaugh (Ravens) and Tony Sparano (Dolphins) for the honor.
January 29, 2009
Willie Parker looked good during Wednesday's practice as he ran fast and with authority, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Our View:"Fast Willie" dealt with shoulder and knee problems this season, but looks to be in good shape for Super Bowl XLIII. Parker will be playing for his second championship ring with the Steelers, as he earned his first in Super Bowl XL in a 1-2 combo with Jerome Bettis.
January 28, 2009
When he steps out onto the field Sunday for Super Bowl XLIII, Steelers running back Willie Parker will be looking to run Pittsburgh's record to a perfect 7-0 when he starts a postseason game, according to the Sports Ticker. "It's not all about me," Parker said. "I'm definitely undefeated in the postseason, though, and I can definitely brag about it with my teammates, but the thing about it is that when they lost last year, I lost."

Our View:With Parker as the featured back in its running game, Pittsburgh completed the playoffs an unblemished 4-0 during the run to a championship in 2005. After missing last year's postseason (when the Steelers lost to the Patriots in the second round) with a fractured fibula, Parker has returned to help lead his team to two wins thus far in this year's playoffs.
January 18, 2009
Willie Parker carried the ball 24 times for 47 yards in the AFC Championship game. As if that wasn't depressing enough, Parker also lost fumble and dropped what could have been a huge passing play when the ball bounced off his shoulder pad.

Our View:Two things are clear. First, Parker seems healthy. Second, Parker should never have another pass thrown his way as he has about as much chance as hauling it in as we do of flying to the moon sometime soon. He ran hard into the teeth of a tough D tonight and will certainly have a better matchup in the Super Bowl against the Cardinals.
January 16, 2009
Willie Parker has a poor track record against the Ravens, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. In six career outings against the rival Ravens, Parker is averaging a mere 43.7 yards per game and has never gained more than 63 yards or scored a rushing touchdown.

Our View:His performance could decide if the Steelers advance to the Super Bowl, as they host Baltimore in the AFC title game Sunday at Heinz Field.
January 11, 2009
In Pittsburgh's 35-24 win over the Chargers that will send them to the AFC Championship game, Steelers running back Willie Parker took control, running the ball 27 times for 146 yards and two touchdowns.

Our View:The only other game Parker performed like this was in Week 1, when he sent the fantasy world ablaze with three touchdowns and 138 rushing yards against Houston. In between, he's been injury-prone and largely a disappointment, but maybe he's creating some good will with fantasy owners for next year.
January 1, 2009
Willie Parker will likely not need surgery to repair the injured labrum in his shoulder, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Parker has also decided to shed the protective harness he has been using on his shoulder.

Our View:Parker had a rough year as he ended up with just 791 yards, hundreds less than the 1,337 he has averaged the past three years, though he still managed to score five rushing touchdowns, his highest total in that time span. Even if he doesn't go under the knife, his value is at an all-time low given his struggles.

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