June 18, 2008 Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said last summer that he would run Willie Parker "until the wheels came off," and one of them finally did -- in the 15th game of the regular season the NFL's leading rusher at the time, fractured his fibula.
Our View:So why is the NFL leading rusher of a year ago (assuming he would have retained that status had he played in Week 17) getting so little respect in summer Mock settings? Parker, a first rounder at this time last year, has slipped to the third and fourth round depending on the format. The fact that he scored only two 2007 touchdowns has a lot to do with his 2008 value, but the All Pro knows how to score and is until evidence proves otherwise, still the short yardage option for the run-first offense.
April 22, 2008 On the first offensive huddle of the first practice of the Pittsburgh Steelers' new season, running back Willie Parker lined up at tailback behind quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "Right now I'm a little shaky," Parker said, "but I'm at full speed, cutting and all that stuff. If not 100 percent, I'm real close to it."
Our View:This is great news for Parker, who was leading the NFL in rushing last season, before breaking his right fibula in Week 15. Keep an eye on the backfield situation in Pittsburgh, as there are rumors circulating that the organization wants to draft a back to reduce some of the workload on Parker.
April 21, 2008 The pre-draft chatter from Pittsburgh is that the organization wouldn't mind finding a bigger back to complement, and reduce the wear-and-tear on running back Willie Parker, according to Pro Football Weekly.
Our View:The Steelers need offensive line help first and foremost, but could burn a second-round or second day pick to bring in some competition for Najeh Davenport, Gary Russell and Mewelde Moore.
March 31, 2008 Willie Parker, who broke his lower right leg in late December, is progressing well and is already doing some running, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. "We're very optimistic, as are our doctors and trainers," head coach Mike Tomlin said of the Pro Bowl running back. "He's getting better every day." Good news that Parker is back on his feet running. We will continue to keep you updated on his progress, when additional information becomes available.
February 9, 2008 The Steelers plan to stick with a grass field next season, rather than switch to an artificial surface, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Willie Parker's speed might best be used on a more stable surface, but it sounds like owner Dan Rooney believes grass is what the players are in favor of and that it causes fewer injuries. On the other hand, NFLPA surveys consistently rank the field among the worst in the league. And you can remember the mess it became in the rain this past season.
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