When running back Willie Parker showed up as not participating in the Thursday practice report, it became a little fuzzier on whether or not he will indeed be ready to suit up Sunday night against the Chargers. The turf toe on the right foot seems to still be hurting FWP pretty good. If Parker can not practice on Friday, he will likely get the questionable tag on the injury report, but with 3 straight practices missed, it would be highly unlikely that he would play. The likeliest candidate to start would be Mewelde Moore with a heavy dose of Rashard Mendenhall mixed in. Moore is a veteran, very reliable and would deserve the start. It is not a knock on Mendenhall or mean that Rashard will not end up with the lions share of carries by games end though. Regardless of who does get the start, you will see both.
The news on Troy Polamalu is about what Steeler Nation expected. He clearly is still a few weeks away. Although he circled the Lions game on the schedule, it just does not make sense to rush him back. If he comes back too early, he risk an aggravation that could sideline him until Thanksgiving. The Steelers continue to work some cornerbacks into his spot in certain situations this week in practice and although Polamalu tested the knee on Wednesday, he reportedly still has a limp. I suspect he will get the “out tag” next to his name on Friday.
