Willie Parker
Willie Parker Tough break for Willie Parker and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Reports out of Pittsburgh are saying that the Pro-Bowl running back re-injured the MCL injury that has kept him out the past couple of weeks when he stepped in a hole at the Steelers practice facility on Monday.

Parker hasn't played since Sept. 21, but practiced Monday and was expected to play Sunday in Cincinnati. Now his return is now in doubt.

"We're going to take it day by day," Parker said.

Parker said he is frustrated with the injury setback. He deferred specific questions about his injury to Steelers coach Mike Tomlin.

Tomlin did not talk to the media Wednesday.

Parker rushed for 138 yards on 25 carries and three touchdowns in week
one against Houston and broke the century mark again the next week with 105 yards against Cleveland. He was held to 20 yards on 13 carries during the 15-6 loss to the Eagles in which he was originally hurt.

First-round draft pick Rashard Mendenhall replaced Parker and made his first NFL start Sept. 29 against the Ravens, but was lost for the season with a shoulder injury.

With the Steelers top two tailbacks on the bench, third-down back Mewelde Moore made his first start in three seasons and gained 99 yards against Jacksonville last Sunday. If Parker is unable to go this week, Moore is expected to make the start against the Bengals.

A season ago, Parker was leading the NFL in rushing with 1,316 yards before he broke his leg in late December and was lost for the year.