FANTASY FOOTBALL NFL PLAYERS

Posted: 11/6/2009 1:23pm et

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians said the bye week helped RB Willie Parker's toe, but Parker is not 100 percent and likely will not be for the rest of the season.

The Huddle Take: Parker came back in Week 6 after sitting out two games, and has only had eight rushing attempts for 28 yards in the two games he's played. Seven of those were against Cleveland. Parker will likely continue to be a non-factor most weeks as the Steelers have obviously make Rashard Mendenhall their No. 1 back.

Posted: 10/20/2009 2:04pm et

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports Pittsburgh Steelers RB Rashard Mendenhall has surpassed RB Willie Parker (toe) atop the team's depth chart at running back, head coach Mike Tomlin said. 'It's great to have Willie back,' Tomlin said, 'but Rashard has the hot hand if you will.'

The Huddle Take: That "hot hand" has cooled quite a bit since Mendnhall's coming-out party against San Diego. Even though Mendenhall did score the last two weeks, his failure to crack the 80-yard mark against the weak run defenses of Detroit and Cleveland has to be considered at least somewhat of a disappointment. Parker will still get carries as well, so Mendenhall isn't as attractive a Fantasy start as he seemed to be two weeks ago. Neither Steeler back can be considered a great option this week against the Vikings.

Posted: 10/15/2009 11:12pm et

Pittsburgh Steelers RB Willie Parker (toe) practiced Thursday, Oct. 15, and he is expected to play Week 6. He might start the game, but only if RB Rashard Mendenhall (illness) is unable to.

The Huddle Take: The Steelers appear ready to welcome Parker back to the lineup this week after missing some time with a turf toe injury. Backup Rashard Mendenhall has performed well in Parker's absence but is battling an illness which could limit his touches this week. Willie Parker will likely also be limited but could see more action than thought if Mendenhall can not go.

Posted: 10/15/2009 11:59am et

Mark Kaboly, for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, reports Steelers RB Willie Parker is wearing shoes with extra protection to protect his injured toe during practice. He is not sure if he will be able to play in Week 6.

The Huddle Take: There isn't much you can do for turf toe, so we'll see how Parker holds up to a couple days of practice before making any decisions about the fantasy prospects of both he and Rashard Mendenhall against the Browns this week.

Posted: 10/14/2009 11:22pm et

Pittsburgh Steelers RB Willie Parker (toe) practiced in full Wednesday, Oct. 14.

The Huddle Take: This news could certainly present some problems for fantasy owners if Willie Parker is well enough to play and forces the Steelers to split carries with Rashard Mendenhall and Mewelde Moore. Pittsburgh has a nice matchup against Detroit in Week 6 with Mendenhall projected as one of the top running back options for fantasy teams. If Parker returns to action, expect him to steal some of his carries and limit the upside for Rashard Mendenhall for the near future.

Posted: 10/12/2009 2:34pm et

CBSSports.com reports Pittsburgh Steelers RB Willie Parker (toe) is still suffering significant pain from turf toe and may miss the team's Week 6 game. 'It's too early to talk about that now,' Parker said. 'We're definitely taking it day by day.'

The Huddle Take: Rashard Mendenhall owners can only hope Parker misses Week 6, because on paper it looks like Mendenhall will have a field day against Cleveland's run defense.

Posted: 10/9/2009 3:35pm et

Updating a previous report, Pittsburgh Steelers RB Willie Parker (toe) did not participate in practice Friday, Oct. 9, and has been ruled out for the team's Week 5 game.

The Huddle Take: There's your verification. Put Rashard Mendenhall in your starting lineup immediately if you haven't already.

Posted: 10/9/2009 2:29pm et

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports Pittsburgh Steelers RB Willie Parker (toe) did not participate in practice Friday, Oct. 9.

The Huddle Take: The evidence continues to mount that Rashard Mendenhall will start against the Lions. If you picked him up in free agency, put him in your starting lineup. Barring a shocking turn of events regarding Parker, Mendenhall could be huge.

Posted: 10/9/2009 1:02pm et

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians said RB Willie Parker (toe) will be the team's starter when he is healthy because at this point Parker is proven and RB Rashard Mendenhall has not proven himself yet. 'Willie Parker's a proven commodity. 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,' Arians said.

The Huddle Take: That might be the case, but it doesn't look like he'll be starting this week. Or playing, period. Look for Mendenhall to get the bulk of the carries this week, with Mewelde Moore getting action as well.

Posted: 10/8/2009 6:25pm et

ESPN.com reports Pittsburgh Steelers RB Willie Parker (toe) did not participate in practice Thursday, Oct. 8.

The Huddle Take: It's looking more and more likely that Rashard Mendenhall will once again get the starting nod. If Parker doesn't practice Friday, it'll just about be a lock. If you can still do it, grab him off the free agent pile and start him this week against the Lions.