Willie Parker won't be healthy for rest of the season

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Willie Parker usually starts each season with a bang and then fizzles as the year continues. In 2009, Parker never got off to that good start and it doesn't sound like he will be getting any better soon. Already a backup to Rashard Mendenhall, Parker is still being bothered by the turf toe injury which caused him to miss two games earlier this season. Offensive coordinator Bruce Arians said the time off because of the Steelers' week eight bye helped Parker heal. But, he added, Parker still isn't 100 percent and that "He probably won't be the rest of the year." Parker has run for just 187 yards on 60 carries this season and hasn't scored a touchdown. He has carried the ball just eight times in the past two games as Mendenhall has seen the majority of touches.

Fantasy Analysis:
A couple of years ago, Parker was one of the top 10 running backs in fantasy football. In the 2006 season, he gained 1,716 total yards and 17 touchdowns, but his stats have declined in every season since then. This is the final year of his current four-year contract and most likely his final year in Pittsburgh. For fantasy purposes, he should probably be held on to if you own Mendenhall. Otherwise, feel free to drop him. For future reference, Parker will turn 30 years old during next season. His window for being a productive NFL back is definitely closing.

Source:
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Players Involved:
RB Parker, Willie, PIT
RB Mendenhall, Rashard, PIT

Team Involved:
PIT  

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