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Willie Parker News & Rumors

Parker's ship has sailed ... with Steelers
May 14
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 columnist John Harris
"I can't believe what I think I heard the other day. Asked on TribLive Radio about making a comeback with the Steelers, ex-running back Willie Parker replied, "There's definitely a possibility ... when this lockout is over, that's going to be my first priority - talking with the Steelers operation.'' Then, Parker added faster than he used to hit the hole, "Me and Coach T (Mike Tomlin), we're pretty cool. That's how it's supposed to be ... Never burn bridges in case you want to go back.'' Parker is dreaming. Contrary to what he believes, burned bridges or not, he doesn't fit in the Steelers' plans. With friends like Tomlin, who needs enemies? When Tomlin took over in 2007, he vowed to run"
Source: Redskins to cut Willie Parker
September 4
ESPN.com
 
"Running back Willie Parker is changing teams and changing agents. The Washington Redskins informed Parker on Saturday that he will be released, according to a league source. Parker also is in the process of hiring a new agent, and many around the league believe he will select Peter Schaffer, who represented former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jerome Bettis."
Willie Parker will get his chance to make an impression Friday
August 25
Washington Post
 
"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"
Willie Parker not concerned about depth chart
August 10
Washington Post
 
"Redskins running back Willie Parker was not aware that running back Ryan Torain had leapfrogged him into the No. 3 slot on Washington's most recent, and first public depth chart. But the veteran said he was not worried about the move. "I really don't even pay no attention to it, or whatever," Parker said. "They have my name at four? Yeah, I don't really even pay no attention to it really." Parker is one of three Pro Bowl running backs on the roster, along with Clinton Portis and Larry Johnson, but the former Pittsburgh Steelers standout has not shown as much as the other two in the early days at camp. Parker said he has not practiced in recent days due to being "kind of nicked up," and"
Past means nothing to Redskins star running backs Portis, Parker and Johnson
August 5
Washington Post
 
"Clinton Portis doesn't look like an old man, and in virtually any other profession, he would be perceived to be on the rise rather than the decline. Corporate titans, master electricians, orchestra conductors - all would face questions about the promise of their futures, not the glory of their pasts. What Portis does every morning this time of year - banging into men who outweigh him by 100 pounds, then slipping loose and sprinting 25 more yards downfield - isn't for the aged. "I know what I've done," Portis said one day last week, "and I know what I can do - still." In Portis's new world, though, only half of that sentence matters: What can he still do? When he said it, he had just"
Parker, L.J. will push for playing time under Shanahan
April 3
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
 
"I like what Mike Shanahan is doing in Washington right now-because he is engineering competition at the running back position. Earlier this off-season, Shanahan added former Chiefs and Bengals running back Larry Johnson. Yesterday, the 'Skins signed former Steeler Willie Parker to a one-year deal that reportedly will max out at $3.1 million dollars. The overall impact of both Johnson and Parker at this stage of their career is up for debate, and I even questioned the L.J. move previously because I don't see how his running style fits in the Shanahan scheme. With Parker, we will have to see what he can offer this summer when he puts the pads on, but there are doubts about his game as well."
Redskins sign Parker
April 3
Washington Examiner
 
"The Redskins continued their apparent quest to sign running backs who once were productive. After signing Larry Johnson recently, Washington finally signed ex-Steeler Willie Parker on Friday. If this were 2007 or so, then Washington would be in good shape. But, because this is not, the Redskins have a collection of question marks in their backfield. Parker and Johnson, along with Clinton Portis, all rank among the NFL's top 10 rushers since 2004. However, none of them are coming off a stellar season. The question then becomes: Who will be the primary rusher this season? Parker apparently signed a one-year, $3.5 million contract, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Johnson has a three-year"
Redskins sign Willie Parker, add experience and competition at RB
April 3
Washington Post
 
"Clinton Portis has been the Redskins' unchallenged starter since he arrived in town in 2004. That clearly won't be the case this year. The Redskins have added yet another veteran running back in free agent Willie Parker. The former Pittsburgh running back has signed an incentive-laden one-year contract worth as much as $3.1 million. He'll now find himself in a three-way battle for carries with Portis and Larry Johnson, who also signed a free-agent deal last month. Parker is a six-year veteran who topped 1,000 yards from 2005-07, twice reaching the Pro Bowl. He began last season as the Steelers' starting running back but lost his job to Rashard Mendenhall after suffering a case of turf toe."
Redskins sign former Steeler Parker for one year
April 3
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"Two days ago, Willie Parker thought it was odd the Washington Redskins were still interested in him, still talking to his agent. They had signed Larry Johnson in free agency, and he figured that made him a moot point. Today, Parker is a Redskin, the former Steelers starting halfback joining the former Penn State halfback in Washington's backfield, which also includes Clinton Portis. Parker, the third-leading rusher in Steelers history, agreed to a one-year contract Friday and became the first unrestricted free agent from the Steelers to sign elsewhere. A day earlier, he mentioned that he and his agent were "trying to get the best deal and best fit for me. We're negotiating with a couple of"
Redskins add Willie Parker: In open competition with Larry Johnson for starters role
April 3
Washington Post
 
"Clinton Portis has been the Redskins' unchallenged starter since he arrived in town in 2004, but that clearly won't be the case this year. The Redskins have added yet another veteran running back in free agent Willie Parker, and the team's starting spot in the backfield is apparently up for grabs. "It's flat-out an open competition," said Parker's agent, Doug Hendrickson. "That's what they told Willie. It's a flat-out open competition as to who's going to play and who's going to start. They said that's the way it's going to be." Though the team wouldn't confirm the news Friday, Parker has agreed to an incentive-laden one-year contract worth as much as $3.1 million, according to an"
Parker moves on from Steelers
April 2
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"Willie Parker talked to Steelers coach Mike Tomlin this week, and the halfback would not rule out his return to the Steelers. But that is not what they talked about. "Nothing dealing with football," Parker said Thursday from his home in North Carolina. "Not really dealing with Pittsburgh or anything like that. I respect him as a coach. One thing they always said, they would play the best guys. I guess I wasn't the best guy." After a report in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette quoting a close associate of Parker's that he was bitter and would prefer to retire than return to the Steelers, Kirby Wilson, who coaches their backs, called Parker. Parker then called Tomlin. Parker described his feelings"
Here's hoping Fast Willie stays in town
March 29
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 columnist Ron Cook
"I hope Parker comes back. The Steelers will be a better team for it. Parker turns 30 on Nov. 11, but he still has plenty left. He proved that to me in the final game last season. He toted the football 12 times for 91 yards against the Miami Dolphins and looked good doing it. If Parker can just get his mind right ... We're talking business here. It should never be personal. The Post-Gazette's Ed Bouchette spoke to a person close to Parker and reported in his PG blog that Parker is so bitter toward the Steelers about his treatment last season that he would rather sit out 2010 than play here again. The source's message might be a bit extreme, but there's no question Parker -- a valuable guy"
Willie Parker will visit Redskins
March 7
Washington Post
 
"We now know that at least five of the tailbacks who finished last season as members of the Redskins -- Rock Cartwright, Ladell Betts, Quinton Ganther, Marcus Mason and Eddie Williams -- will be continuing their careers somewhere else. The Redskins need to reload their backfield and one of the top candidates appears to be Pittsburgh's Willie Parker. Parker will visit Redskins Park next week, according to a league source. The visit was first reported by KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh. The 29-year-old Parker is an unrestricted free agent this year. He appeared in 14 games last season for the Steelers -- starting only three -- and finished the season with 389 yards on 98 carries. Parker started"
Parker shows burst in possible finale
January 4
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"Willie Parker said goodbye the right way on Sunday. It was 2007 all over again, when Parker led the NFL in rushing until breaking his leg late in the season. Or 2005-2006, with the Steelers putting the ball and the outcome of games in Parker's capable hands. Time after time in the closing five minutes, with starting running back Rashard Mendenhall watching from the sideline, the Steelers called Parker's number, choosing the run over the pass in a surprising about-face. Parker was a fixture in the Steelers' final drive, which resulted in Jeff Reed's 33-yard field goal in a 30-24 win over the Miami Dolphins. "They just said, 'Three-nine. Get in there,' and a smile came to my face,'' Parker"
Parker's return an intriguing possibility
January 4
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"After looking like the Willie Parker of old instead of an old Willie Parker in the Steelers' 30-24 win against the Dolphins, the free-agent-to-be running back offered mixed messages when it comes to his future. "Hopefully I'm here next season because it's a blessing, me coming here and being part of a great organization," Parker said. But the sixth-year veteran also said, "I want to thank the coaches and my teammates for embracing me and blessing me to be part of such a great organization." If I had to set odds on Parker donning a Steelers uniform again I'd put them at no better than 50/50 -- and that might be optimistic. He is clearly eyeing a bigger role than the one he had following"
Steelers' Parker taking a professional stance
December 26
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"Willie Parker may well play his final home game in a Steelers' uniform Sunday. If Parker, who is in the final year of his contract, signs elsewhere after the season, he will leave Pittsburgh as one of the more distinguished running backs in Steelers history - though probably not on the terms he envisioned. Parker lost his starting job to Rashard Mendenhall earlier this season, and the sixth-year veteran has seen only spot duty since the middle of October. What he hasn't done since a toe injury and Mendenhall's emergence left him with a vastly reduced role is sound off or pout. That has earned the Steelers' third all-time leading rusher the admiration of his coaches and teammates. "Willie's"
Fast Willie's future clouded
November 7
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"Willie Parker carried the ball 50 times in the first two games of the 2007 season, prompting somebody to ask first-year Steelers coach Mike Tomlin if he planned to continue riding Parker so hard. Tomlin replied that he would "ride Willie until the wheels come off." Earlier this week, I reminded Parker of that quote. He managed a smile but quickly turned serious. "That year," Parker said, "he did run me a little too much." Too much? "I think I was leading the league in carries that year," Parker said. "I don't think that was smart of us as an offensive unit. You can look back at it, and I guess we would change some things. But it is what it is. It's about now." Actually, offensive"
Turf toe a real pain for Parker
October 23
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"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"
Steelers' Parker still has starter's mentality
October 22
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"Coach Mike Tomlin said running back Rashard Mendenhall has earned the right to take the majority of snaps as the Steelers move forward toward the middle part of the season. Willie Parker may not have gotten that memo. Parker, who has been nursing a turf toe injury for the past three weeks, said Wednesday that the reason why he didn't start last week against Cleveland and won't start this week against Minnesota is because he isn't completely healthy. "I am not ready to take the load right now," Parker said. "When I am ready, we will make another decision." Parker has had a daily dialogue with Tomlin and let him know that he is physically unable to carry the ball 25-30 times a game. "I am"
Parker 'cool' with Tomlin's decision
October 22
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"Willie Parker has accepted his new role as the Steelers' second-string running back. But the two-time Pro Bowler also said not to count him out even though Rashard Mendenhall, the Steelers' first-round draft pick in 2008, has supplanted Parker atop the depth chart. "I'm not myself right now," said Parker, who is still battling a case of turf toe on his left foot. "Right now, I need to get back to myself. No excuses. I'm going to go out and keep working." Parker may not get a whole lot of work in the foreseeable future. Mendenhall received the bulk of the carries in the Steelers' 27-14 win against the Browns last Sunday, and he has rushed for 304 yards and four touchdowns in the last three"
Parker plays, but Mendenhall gets starting nod
October 18
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"Willie Parker will play, as expected, today against the Browns but Rashard Mendenhall will start at running back for the Steelers. The Steelers will have a new fullback as well with David Johnson getting the call over Carey Davis, who is inactive for the 1 p.m. game. In addition to Parker, strong safety Troy Polalamu will play for the first time since he sprained his left knee in the Steelers' season opener on Sept. 10. Joining Davis on the Steelers inactives list are wide receiver Limas Sweed, linebacker Andre Frazier, who is nursing a thigh injury, cornerback Keenan Lewis, guard Kraig Urbik, defensive end Sunny Harris, offensive tackle Tony Hills and quarterback Dennis Dixon."
Polamalu, Parker all set to hit practice field
October 14
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"Strong safety Troy Polamalu and running back Willie Parker are scheduled to practice today. Both are on track to play Sunday barring any setbacks this week. Polamalu has missed the past four games because of a sprained knee, and turf toe has sidelined Parker for the past two Steelers' games. "It will be interesting to see how they respond Thursday after having a day's work," Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. Among the Steelers players who will be limited in practice today because of injuries are right guard Trai Essex (ankle), defensive end Travis Kirschke (back) and linebacker Andre Frazier (thigh). • Tomlin said it is too early to tell how the Steelers will use Rashard Mendenhall and"
Steelers' Polamalu, Parker back, but Smith likely out against Browns
October 13
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"Strong safety Troy Polamalu and running back Willie Parker could return to action Sunday but the Steelers are expected to be without defensive end Aaron Smith when they host the Browns. And Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said Smith may be out for an extended period of time because of a shoulder injury he sustained in last Sunday's 28-20 win over the Lions. "Potentially could be significant," Tomlin said of Smith's injury. If Smith is unable to play Sunday the Steelers will use a rotation of Travis Kirschke, Ziggy Hood and Nick Eason, Tomlin said."
Parker, Polamalu still on shelf for Steelers
October 12
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"Strong safety Troy Polamalu and running back Willie Parker didn't play in the Steelers' 28-20 win over the Detroit Lions on Sunday because of injuries. Polamalu, who hasn't played since spraining his left knee Sept. 10, could return next week when the Steelers host the Browns. He practiced on a limited basis last week. When asked for anon Polamalu's health after the Steelers improved to 3-2, coach Mike Tomlin said, "I'll let you know Tuesday." Parker missed his second consecutive game because of turf toe. The two-time Pro Bowler said he is not sure if he will be able to play against the Browns. "It's too early to talk about that right now," Parker said. "We're definitely taking it day by"
Polamalu, Parker out for Steelers today
October 11
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"Steelers strong safety Troy Polamalu will miss his fourth consecutive game because of a sprained left knee. The Steelers will also be without starting running back Willie Parker (turf toe) today when they play the Lions at 1 p.m. Detroit will start Daunte Culpepper over Matthew Stafford at quarterback. Stafford, the first overall pick of the 2009 NFL draft, hurt his knee last Sunday and will serve as the Lions' emergency quarterback today. Limas Sweed will get another opportunity to work his way back into the good graces of the Steelers' coaching staff. Sweed, and not Shaun McDonald, will serve as the Steelers' No. 4 wide receiver today."
Polamalu, Parker hope to return next week
October 10
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"Pro Bowl safety Troy Polamalu worked lightly for the third day in a row, but he is not expected to play tomorrow in Detroit and likely will return Oct. 18 against the Cleveland Browns. Also, running back Willie Parker did not practice again yesterday and will not play against the Lions, meaning Rashard Mendenhall will make his second consecutive start. Parker said he likely will be able to return next week against the Browns. Polamalu said his sprained knee is feeling better, but he has not worked with the first-team defense in practice and, until he does, will not play in a game. Parker's absence does not necessarily mean the Steelers will re-sign Isaac Redman to the 53-man roster for the"
Polamalu likely won't play; Parker does not practice
October 9
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"Pro Bowl safety Troy Polamalu worked lightly for the third day in a row, but he is not expected to play Sunday in Detroit and will probably return Oct. 18 against the Cleveland Browns. Also, running back Willie Parker did not practice again today and will not play against the Lions, meaning Rashard Mendenhall will make his second consecutive start. Parker said he will probably be able to return next week against the Cleveland Browns. Parker's absence does not mean the Steelers will re-sign Isaac Redman to the 53-man roster for the Lions, like they did against the San Diego Chargers."
Parker still the starter
October 9
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"Even after Rashard Mendenhall's breakout performance last Sunday, the pecking order in the Steelers' backfield hasn't changed. "Willie Parker's a proven commodity," offensive coordinator Bruce Arians said of the injured veteran who is still first on the depth chart at running back. "When Rashard is (proven), then we'll re-evaluate him. I hope it gets to that problem. I'd like to have those two healthy at the same time." The Steelers are not there yet. Parker did not practice Thursday because of turf toe. The injury has put his availability for Sunday's 1 p.m. game against the Detroit Lions in doubt, although Arians remains hopeful Parker will play. Mendenhall rushed for 165 yards and two"
Unofficially, Mendenhall due to start vs. Detroit
October 9
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"Rashard Mendenhall, from outhouse to penthouse in seven days, will make his second consecutive start for the Steelers Sunday in Detroit. No one said that officially, but the eyes and ears do not lie, and neither does Willie Parker's big left toe. That turf toe remained painful after Parker ran a little while his teammates practiced yesterday. You do not have to be Mike Tomlin to make this call. Even Parker understands. "You know what type of game this is; if you don't play, somebody else comes in and they pretty much shine, that's the nature of the beast," Parker said. "I have to get back on the field and do what I do." It's possible he may not get that chance at all on Ford Field's poor"
Steelers' Mendenhall might get another opportunity to start
October 8
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"Willie Parker didn't practice Wednesday because of turf toe, putting the veteran running backs' availability for Sunday's game at Detroit in question. Parker didn't play in the Steelers' 38-28 win over San Diego last Sunday. If Parker is unable to play against the Lions, it will provide another opportunity for Rashard Mendenhall. Making his second career start last Sunday, Mendenhall rushed for 165 yards and two touchdowns. His performance earned Mendenhall AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors. • In addition to Parker, left guard Chris Kemoeatu (ankle) and inside linebacker Andre Frazier (shoulder) didn't practice yesterday for the Steelers because of injuries. • Among the Lions that"
Parker out against San Diego, Redman returns
October 4
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"Rookie running back Isaac "Redzone" Redman has been added to the Steelers 53-man roster and likely will suit up for tomorrow's game against San Diego. The Steelers today determined that Willie Parker will not be able to play Sunday because of turf toe and that let them with only three healthy backs -- Rashard Mendenhall, Mewelde Moore and Carey Davis, who was re-signed Tuesday to play fullback. Mendenhall will start at halfback against the Chargers. Redman, an undrafted rookie from Bowie State, reached legendary status in the preseason when time after time he scored in goalline situations both in games and in live practices, thus picking up his nickname. Nevertheless, the Steelers released"
Parker doubtful for Sunday's game against the Chargers
October 3
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"Running back Willie Parker (turf toe) missed his third consecutive practice, making him unlikely to play Sunday night against San Diego at Heinz Field. Parker is listed as doubtful on the team's final injury report and could be a gametime decision. Typically if a player doesn't practice on Friday he isn't expected to play Sunday. • Rookie free agent Isaac Redman took some first-team reps on goal-line drills and could be activated from the practice squad if Parker doesn't play against the Chargers. "Just trying to stay prepared,'' Redman said. "I work hard every day in practice so when I do get a chance it comes natural.'' • Redman was a goal-line sensation during training camp so his"
Steelers' Parker likes fast track in Cincinnati
September 26
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"A sly smile crept across Willie Parker's face upon mention of whether the surface at Paul Brown Stadium is a motivator. Fast Willie can't lie. He likes FieldTurf. "I don't want to say that," Parker said, "but you know the turf field is for speed guys. I don't want to say it plays a role. It probably helps a little bit." The Steelers running back has averaged 130.3 yards in three career games at Cincinnati - he was inactive last year because of a knee injury - and hopes to crack the century mark for a fourth time in the Queen City, when the Steelers (1-1) visit the Bengals (1-1) at 4:15 p.m. Sunday. Not that his teammates believe the turf is the only reason for that success. Of Parker's 25"
Parker needs to share run duties
September 22
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 columnist John Harris
"Sentiment says the Steelers should keep Willie Parker in the starting lineup while trusting he can turn back the hands of time. Parker was a feel-good story who made the team as an undrafted free agent. He ran for a record 75-yard touchdown in Super Bowl XL. He has led the Steelers in rushing four consecutive seasons. History says the Steelers would be wise giving fewer carries to Parker while giving more carries to second-year running back Rashard Mendenhall. A free agent after this season, Parker's expiration date in the backfield is approaching. He turns 29 on Nov. 11. He has 1,182 career carries, including 321 in 2007 when coach Mike Tomlin promised to run Parker "until the wheels fall"
Willie Parker to remain goal-line back
September 8
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"Move over, Maz and Franco, you have a third member of the perpetual Pittsburgh superhero club. Bill Mazeroski and Franco Harris report that not a day goes by without someone asking them about their famous World Series home run or Immaculate Reception. The two feats, performed 12 years apart, could never be surpassed. Except now there are three in Pittsburgh. Santonio Holmes' Super Bowl-winning catch Feb. 1 deserves equal time with Maz's home run that smote the mighty New York Yankees in the 1960 World Series and with Franco's Immaculate Reception in 1972 that brought the Steelers their first playoff victory. As with those two men, Holmes forever will be linked to one unforgettable play in"
Willie Parker likely to get short-yardage nod
September 8
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"The Steelers will enter the season without a designated short-yardage/goal-line back. But a simple connecting of the dots makes it clear that Willie Parker will get most of the carries in those situations. "I think we'll go with the guy that's in the ball game unless he's dead tired then we'll put a fresh body in," offensive coordinator Bruce Arians said Monday when asked who will be the goal-line back. Parker is the starting running back and second-year man Rashard Mendenhall is No. 2 but the pair won't split carries. Coach Mike Tomlin said that last week and Arians reiterated it yesterday after practice. "Willie's the man," Arians said. Parker rushed for 11 touchdowns in 2006 but has"
Will this be Parker's final opening-game start?
September 7
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"Willie Parker opens another season as the starting tailback for the Steelers Thursday night. That makes it five consecutive openers for him there and judging by the way they've ignored him in non-contract talks, likely his last opening-day start for them. Parker's first NFL start also came on opening day and it also came at home against Tennessee, Sept. 11, 2005, in Heinz Field. He made a grand debut with 161 yards rushing on 22 carries; he also ran 48 yards with a screen pass. The Steelers won, 34-7, and would go on to win Super Bowl XL that season, in part, because Parker ripped off a record 75-yard touchdown run against Seattle. Four years, 4,989 yards and two Pro Bowls/Super Bowls"
Tomlin: 'Parker's our runner'
September 5
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"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"
Holmes, Parker won't roam vs. Buffalo
August 28
Beaver County Times
 
"When the Steelers play Buffalo on Saturday, they will be missing two key offensive starters. Wide receiver Santonio Holmes, pictured, and running back Willie Parker won't play because they have missed practice all week. Holmes took a helmet to the back in last week's preseason game in Washington. Parker came out of the 17-13 loss to the Redskins with an injured hamstring. It's expected that second-year pro Limas Sweed will start in place of Holmes. Rashard Mendenhall is expected to start in place of Parker, who missed the first preseason game due to back spasms. Also sitting out Saturday's game will be guard/center Darnell Stapleton, who's still recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery;"
Steelers leaning on Parker, Mendenhall
August 23
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"The Steelers broke training camp last week with a host of unanswered questions. Among the most pressing is whether Rashard Mendenhall is ready to provide a spark to a running game that ranked just 23rd in the NFL last season. And whether he is able to team with Willie Parker and give the Steelers their first legitimate 1-2 punch at running back since Jerome Bettis side-stepped his way into retirement. "We know what Willie is," offensive coordinator Bruce Arians said last week. "If Rashard proves to be a real (No. 2 back) we'll do it. If he doesn't, then he'll spell (Parker). We'll just see how that goes." Parker and Mendenhall got all of the work at running back in the first half of"
Big Ben's collision with Fast Willie caused 'injury'
June 5
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger returned to practice today, wearing a wrap on his left knee, the only sign of the "injury" from Wednesday's practice. And teammate Willie Parker revealed that it was a collision between the running back and quarterback that caused the temporary problem that led to Roethlisberger limping off the practice field Wednesday. "Actually, me and him bumped knees on a certain play," Parker said. Parker then laughed as he said, "But he's definitely all right and he's a competitor. I guess he just likes a lot of attention sometimes and he likes being the little baby, but Ben is definitely a warrior." Parker said his knee that hit Roethlisberger's was "great.""
Willie Parker shows up, issues no demands
May 2
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"Here's a twist on the Larry Foote holdout. The starting veteran will enter the final year of his contract and he usually plays only on first and second downs. He's 28, and the Steelers drafted a player at his position in the first round. Unlike Foote, however, Willie Parker has not asked to be traded and he showed up on time for the start of the lone mandatory minicamp yesterday. "That hasn't crossed my mind," Parker said about trying to force anything, including a contract extension, with the Steelers. "I am coming off a bad season, but it was a great season for the team. 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"
Similarities fuel Ravens-Steelers rivalry
January 16
Baltimore Sun
 
"It is a rivalry of similarity and proximity rather than difference and distance. Baltimore and Pittsburgh are midsized cities on the water that are separated by a four-hour drive and the Allegheny Mountains. Both reached heights of prosperity in the Industrial Age and watched too many jobs ebb away in the late 20th century. Both have pinned hopes for the future on service and research industries and on downtown redevelopment. And yes, both love pro football above any other sport. When the Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers clash Sunday in their highest-stakes game ever, they will do so with a brotherly intensity. Ravens linebacker Bart Scott calls Sunday's game "an opportunity for one of our"
Ravens have kept Parker in check
January 16
Baltimore Sun
 
"Willie Parker has been one of the NFL's young, emerging running backs - but not against the Ravens. In six meetings against the Ravens, Parker is averaging just 43.7 yards and has never gained more than 63 yards or scored a rushing touchdown. His ability to run the football against the Ravens on Sunday could determine whether the Ravens or the Pittsburgh Steelers represent the AFC in the Super Bowl in Tampa, Fla., next month. Free safety Ed Reed said the success of the Ravens' run defense is grounded in the unit's linemen and linebackers. "The front seven [is] doing a great job," he said. "It's not just with Willie Parker, it's just with running backs in general. They take pride in"
San Diego failed to contain Parker
January 12
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"These Chargers will be closely monitoring Willie Parker next week. Because some wonder if he'll have the same success against big, bad Baltimore. Because others wonder if he shouldn't have had as much success yesterday against them. "Guys who are there who are supposed to make the tackle didn't get the tackle," linebacker Shaun Phillips said, referring to a San Diego defense that allowed 146 yards rushing -- a season high and the third most in the storied Steelers' grind-it-out, playoff history -- to Willie Parker in a 35-24 AFC divisional playoff loss yesterday at Heinz Field. "It was 10 guys getting the job done, and one guy not getting the job done." "I think if they stay with it,"
Parker not expecting surgery
January 2
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"Willie Parker said he doesn't think he will need surgery to repair the labrum that was torn Nov. 3 in Washington -- an injury that occurred when his shoulder popped out of joint and caused the two-time Pro Bowl running back to miss one game. Parker also said he no longer uses the protective shoulder harness he wore for a few games because it restricts his ability to run, even though he rushed for 115 yards the first time he wore it in the Nov. 16 game against the San Diego Chargers. That was the previous time he had rushed for more than 100 yards before ending the regular season with 116 yards against the Cleveland Browns. "It lasted probably two games," Parker said, pointing to the"
Steelers Notebook: No surprises for 1st opponent
December 31
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"The Steelers earned the luxury of this weekend off, but it does not mean they have a week off -- nor New Year's Day. They will practice for the second consecutive day today and report for practice a little later tomorrow so they can sleep; many of them will ring in 2009 tonight at a party together. Many coaches who have had playoff bye weeks use the first week to practice against a different possible foe each day. The Steelers could play one of three teams Jan. 11 -- San Diego, Miami or Indianapolis. But because they played San Diego and Indianapolis this season and Miami at the end of last season, coach Mike Tomlin said he will not work on any particular offense or defense. "We have a"
Frustrated Parker plods on
December 26
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"Since he became a starter in 2005, Willie Parker has never been through a three-game stretch like the one he just endured. Parker, a two-time Pro Bowl running back, has 101 yards rushing on 44 carries in the past three games, a stretch punctuated by a performance against the Tennessee Titans in which he had six carries for negative yards and three others for no yards. Even his signature run -- the big play -- has disappeared. Parker has only two runs longer than 20 yards this season, tied for second fewest in the NFL among players with as many rushing yards. "You know, it's frustrating, but you just got to hang in there and keep it together as a team," Parker said. "There were a lot of"
Steelers Coach Tomlin not happy with Parker's comments
December 11
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin was not happy with comments made by two-time Pro Bowl running back Willie Parker, saying they could be misinterpreted as uninformed and selfish, and said he told Parker and all the players about it today in a team meeting. "The issue for us has been, is and hopefully will continue to be winning -- that's my interpretation of Steelers football," Tomlin said. "Every morning I come to work I walk past five Lombardis, not five rushing titles. The issue is winning." Parker said yesterday that the offense, which ranks 20th in the NFL in rushing, has gotten away from "Steelers football" and that the two-tight end offense used by offensive coordinator Bruce Arians is not"
RB Parker targets Steelers' philosophy
December 11
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"The Steelers have struggled to run the ball on a consistent basis this season. Willie Parker said Wednesday that the Steelers may need to take a different approach to establishing the run and added that he would welcome an increased role for the fullback in the offense. "We bring in two tight ends now, without a fullback, and (opposing defenses) know where it's going," Parker said of the Steelers' running game. "I just know when we get in two (tight end sets), it's not very successful. They definitely know where it's going." The Steelers, who are 23rd in the NFL in rushing (103.6 yards per game), primarily run the ball out of a two-tight end formation. That represents a significant shift"