"Lost amid the headline-stealing names such as Donovan McNabb, Albert Haynesworth and Mike Shanahan this season is running back Willie Parker.

"Everything I hear, 'Willie Parker is in the back,' 'he's the backburner,' he's this, he's that," Parker said Tuesday in the locker room. "What you all don't know: That just motivates me. ... I've been in situations before, and I always come out on top. Not saying I'm going to come out on top here, but I'm definitely gonna give it a fight. And I'm ready for any challenge and every challenge that's in my way."

Parker is the next back up. As coaches try to figure out their running game for the regular season, Clinton Portis got the start against the Buffalo, Larry Johnson had his shot last week versus Baltimore, and Parker will try to impress coaches Friday at the New York Jets. He has had just one touch thus far in the preseason and knows that a lot hinges on what he can make of his opportunity Friday.

"I'm definitely excited to go out and show everybody what I can do," Parker said. "I guess I'm the running back, the so-called running back, that's been counted out. So I'm definitely ready."

Though the Redskins focused more on their passing game against the Ravens, Johnson struggled in his opportunity last Saturday, gaining just four yards on eight carries. Parker, who lost a yard in his lone carry last week, knows he has a lot riding on one game, but he's trying not to let the pressure get to him."