"It's an injury that led to the end of Steelers linebacker Jack Lambert's Hall of Fame career following the 1984 season.

Lambert was known for being tough as nails, but he couldn't overcome turf toe.

"Turf toe isn't something to play with,'' said two-time Pro Bowl running back Willie Parker, who missed two games this season and was limited against Cleveland last week because of the injury.

Coach Mike Tomlin said Rashard Mendenhall, who started the past three games, will be the feature back until further notice.

Turf toe is considered among the most debilitating injuries for a running back because it impairs his ability to plant his foot, cut and run at top speed.

Asked to describe a comparable injury to turf toe, Parker replied: "A quarterback with a shoulder problem trying to throw.""