"Willie Parker didn't play in three of the four preseason games, but Steelers coach Mike Tomlin made it clear that he has no plans to rotate Parker and Rashard Mendenhall at running back.

"Willie Parker's our runner," Tomlin said Friday afternoon. "Rashard's done a nice job and he's going to get an opportunity to get his touches, but more important than anything else, Willie Parker is our runner."

Tomlin touched on a number of issues in his news conference previewing the Steelers' game against the Tennessee Titans in the NFL season opener Thursday night at Heinz Field, namely his concerns about the depth of the offensive line, the status of inside linebacker Lawrence Timmons and preparing for the possibility of seeing a Wildcat formation.

Most notably, though, Tomlin ended any speculation that Parker could split time and share carries with Mendenhall, the Steelers' 2008 first-round draft pick who injured his shoulder against the Baltimore Ravens last Sept. 29.

Parker had only four carries for 13 yards and a touchdown and one reception for 2 yards in the preseason, all against Washington, and is coming off a 791-yard season, his lowest season total since his rookie year. Mendenhall rushed for 99 yards and a touchdown on 32 carries, a 3.1 average.

Tomlin was asked if the limited touches would have an effect on Parker."