Willie Parker

[Montana168]

So do you guys think its safe to start Parker over Mendenhall this week?

Starting willie parker this weekend is not safe by any means; however, it's too early to assess this situation. Several things to consider if you own parker or mendenhall, and neither will be cleared up until, most likely, game-time on sunday. So far we don't know the severity of mendenhall's 'illness'. So far, if mendy does play, we don't know if he or parker will be the starter. So far, we don't know the workload split if both play. So far, we don't know if mendy doesn't go, will mewelde see a larger role, etc.

Most likely any one who owns parker and/or mendenhall will have to wait until game-time, or at the earliest sat. morning to see who should be in the final lineup. Because the steelers have a very favorable matchup, this situation could decide many fantasy wins/losses this weekend.

[SameSongNDance]

Its quite simple. If Mendenhall practices in full today, do not hesitate to start him. Even if he doesn't, I still wouldn't start Parker. Parker, although practicing in full, is not near 100%. His injury will linger for a while and I believe he's rushing himself back in becuase he doesn't want to have lost his position in PITS offense indefinitely. Plus, it's a relatively weak opponent. If Mendenhall plays expect the carries to be split 2:1 in Mendy's favor. Remember, Mendy only had 15 carries last week and still produced. I wouldn't be too worried just don't expect RB1 numbers from Mendy this week, more like RB2 numbers. 15 carries, 80 yards and a TD.

[SameSongNDance]

News: Steelers RB Rashard Mendenhall was sent home early from practice yesterday with flu-like symptoms, sending his status for Week 6 vs. the Browns into a tailspin. Luckily, the news Friday has improved as the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that Mendenhall practiced in full and expects to play against Cleveland on Sunday. His reps are now in question with Willie Parker back from a turf toe injury. "It all depends on what's going on, who's hot, play selection," Mendenhall said of his split. "I won't really know until game time."

Start Mendenhall as an RB2 this week.

[HomerJay]

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Rashard Mendenhall is expected to be the Steelers' starting tailback Sunday versus Cleveland. Mendenhall (flu) is no longer on the Week 6 injury report.

Another local paper speculated that he could miss the game due to the flu, but Mendenhall practiced Friday and is slated to start despite Willie Parker's (turf toe) likely return. How much Parker plays will "depend on the flow of the game." In other words, he may not see many snaps unless the Steelers jump out to a big early lead. Use Mendenhall with confidence. Oct. 16 - 2:14 pm et

-Rotoworld

[Flyn high again]

Flu like symptoms in week 6 and a fever in week 9? Not good for FWP. A couple illnesses while coaches are worried about H1N1 does not help when you are trying to get your starting job back. Bump Mendenhall up another notch. http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsbu ... 51200.html

Steelers running back Willie Parker did not practice Monday because of an illness. Parker reported to the Steelers' practice facility with the rest of his teammates. The Steelers sent him to the doctors because he was running a fever.

"We didn't want him to deliver anything to anybody else," Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. "I anticipate him being fine."

[SameSongNDance]

Parker was never going to get the starting job back, barring injury, and this was clear two weeks ago. Unless you are keeping Parker around as a handcuff to Mendy, he's not worth holding onto.