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Willie Parker OUT in week 4 (1 Viewer)

From The Sporting News. The issue which many picked up on is bolded.

Willie Parker owners who don't like surprises might want to skip this post. Just know that if you choose to do so, you'll never know that your running back will miss Week 4 with a sprained knee.

Surprise!

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin dropped the news today that Parker, who injured his knee late in the fourth quarter of Pittsburgh's loss to the Eagles on Sunday, has already been ruled out of the upcoming matchup against the Ravens and rookie Rashard Mendenhall will step in as the team's "primary ball carrier." Mendenhall will face quite a task going up against a stingy Ravens run defense on Monday night in his first NFL start. That doesn't sound like an ideal situation, as the Ravens have held Cincinnati's Chris Perry to 42 rushing yards and Cleveland's Jamal Lewis to 56 yards on the ground so far this season.

Plus, Pittsburgh is well aware of Baltimore's defense and will likely rely more on Ben Roethlisberger to move the offense than Mendenhall. Mewelde Moore could also get a few carries to spell the rookie.

Parker owners who had Mendenhall around as a handcuff can use him just as they would've used Parker, with the understanding that this is a tough matchup, no matter who's taking the handoffs. As for Parker, it's unclear when he might be able to return and Tomlin characterized him as week-to-week. It's not a good sign that he was ruled out so soon in the week. Stay tuned for updates.
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Was ready to cut Mendy this week for another option at WR. Looking to trade him this week for some short term RB or WR help. Dont think he will have a lot of value, but some owner might need some help with bye weeks coming up.

 
A little misdirection here.

Mendenhall fumbles on consecutive series' to begin the game. Mewelde turns out as the deep sleeper week 4.

 
The_Man said:
Good news for Ben owners, but I agree that Mendenhall is a terrible start vs. the Ravens run D this week.
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I dunno. The ravens live on intimidation. Rookies sometimes are just not afraid, cause they are so amped. Mendenhall is a beast, and the line is good, and the passing game good too. I mean the ravens are dope, but this isn't the ravens of 5 years ago.I'll be starting him at flex prolly.
 
The_Man said:
Ravens haven't allowed a 100-yard rusher in 21 straight games, and that includes during their 9-game losing streak at the end of last year, when plenty of opponents were trying to pound the ball to protect leads.The real question is -- how is Mendenhall in pass protection? I have to think Moore is better, which is why I bet they see equal time.
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Mendenhall strikes me as a bright guy, and I think i read somewhere that the staff raved about his preparation. That's really half the game is knowing who you have to block?Anyone smarter than me know anything in more detail about this.
 
The_Man said:
Ravens haven't allowed a 100-yard rusher in 21 straight games, and that includes during their 9-game losing streak at the end of last year, when plenty of opponents were trying to pound the ball to protect leads.The real question is -- how is Mendenhall in pass protection? I have to think Moore is better, which is why I bet they see equal time.
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I am still floored at this stat. Especially when you think of the pretty solid running backs/attacks in their division over the last few years. (droughns, j lewis, macgahee, w parker)
 
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Captain Hook said:
...could you tell me what kind of league has Mendenhall on the free agent list? None of the twelve or so I play in :popcorn:
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He's available in all of my redraft leagues. What has he done so far? 20 yards?
 
Hipple said:
The_Man said:
Ravens haven't allowed a 100-yard rusher in 21 straight games, and that includes during their 9-game losing streak at the end of last year, when plenty of opponents were trying to pound the ball to protect leads.

The real question is -- how is Mendenhall in pass protection? I have to think Moore is better, which is why I bet they see equal time.
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I am still floored at this stat. Especially when you think of the pretty solid running backs/attacks in their division over the last few years. (droughns, j lewis, macgahee, w parker)
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I don't think the Ravens played him :thumbup:
 
I think I might start him over Thomas Jones this week. He ran hard on preseason, I could see him catching the Raven's off guard.

 
figured it was time to strike - i just traded darren sproles and matt jones in an AFC only league for willie parker. here's hoping he comes back...sometime soon.

 
blake said:
Raider Nation said:
CrossEyed said:
I'd be very surprised if FWP plays again before week 7 @ Cincy.
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Anything to base that on? Just speculation on your part? Reverse psychology???
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makes more than a little sense, if he's already been ruled out on monday. after the ravens comes jacksonville, then a bye week then cincinnati.
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Hell, I'm not complaining. I hope they rest him for the next 13 games. :unsure: I've been a sulking Mendy owner.
 
Raider Nation said:
blake said:
Raider Nation said:
CrossEyed said:
I'd be very surprised if FWP plays again before week 7 @ Cincy.
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Anything to base that on? Just speculation on your part? Reverse psychology???
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makes more than a little sense, if he's already been ruled out on monday. after the ravens comes jacksonville, then a bye week then cincinnati.
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Hell, I'm not complaining. I hope they rest him for the next 13 games. :unsure: I've been a sulking Mendy owner.
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grrrrr...i'm sensing mendy and parker owners will be at odds in this thread...except for those who own both.
 
I wish we could get more info on FWP's injury. it would be nice to know if he's a sell or buy at this point. I'm thinking STRONG buy though, but it would suck to make a deal and have Pitt announce that he's got a torn ligament.

 
sdsjr3 said:
I wish we could get more info on FWP's injury. it would be nice to know if he's a sell or buy at this point. I'm thinking STRONG buy though, but it would suck to make a deal and have Pitt announce that he's got a torn ligament.
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It's kind of strange though that they would rule him out on Tuesday morning is it was nothing, especially a big division game against the division leaders at this point. If I had to guess I would say it may be a 2-3 week thing but that's total and complete speculation.
 
I watched the Steelers-Eagles game on Tivo last night and I'm starting to think maybe Pittsburgh's not all that great.

What was with their game plan? Despite a total inability to protect the QB, they only called 15 running plays -- which went for a total of 27 yards. And it's not like they were way behind on the scoreboard and had to abandon the run. And here's a newsflash to the Offensive Coordinator -- when you're rarely running the ball and getting totally stuffed when you do handoff, you might as well stop calling all those play action passes because they're not fooling anybody.

So you have a team that struggles to run the ball. That can't protect the QB. That has scored one TD in its last two games.

And now they're facing an opponent that is playing outstanding defensive football right now. So I'm not sure why there's all the Mendenhall excitement.

I am a Baltimore homer, but I am starting to think the Ravens have a good chance to win on Monday if they can avoid turnovers.

 
The_Man said:
And now they're facing an opponent that is playing outstanding defensive football right now. So I'm not sure why there's all the Mendenhall excitement.
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Is there excitement? I don't see any "fire up the Mendy train" threads. At this point, most of us who own him just want to see him play. I'm not expecting startable numbers at all.
 
Not saying Parker is this years Marvin Harrison with a "knee bruise" and i am also not really one to start rumors or exaggerate things, but something sure does smell fishy in pittsburgh. He was ruled out waaay in advance.

 
How much time would he miss with a torn meniscus, PCL, or MCL?

I doubt it's an ACL since they would probably have just announced that he's out for the season.

 
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EBF said:
How much time would he miss with a torn meniscus, PCL, or MCL? I doubt it's an ACL since they would probably have just announced that he's out for the season.
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could be an LT/Peterson type injury where it's a couple weeks...I think those were PCL's.
 
Raider Nation said:
CrossEyed said:
I'd be very surprised if FWP plays again before week 7 @ Cincy.
Click to expand...
Anything to base that on? Just speculation on your part? Reverse psychology???
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Just evaluating what we know. The big thing was that he was declared out on Tuesday. Seems to me that means the injury is fairly serious. Why try to rush him back? Missing one more game gives him an extra 2 weeks of rest. Just makes sense.
 
Hipple said:
The_Man said:
Good news for Ben owners, but I agree that Mendenhall is a terrible start vs. the Ravens run D this week.
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I dunno. The ravens live on intimidation. Rookies sometimes are just not afraid, cause they are so amped. Mendenhall is a beast, and the line is good, and the passing game good too. I mean the ravens are dope, but this isn't the ravens of 5 years ago.I'll be starting him at flex prolly.
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Steelers will have to throw to win this game. I'd give Mendy 50 yards max.
 
Teezee said:
I smell a time share from here on out even if Parker comes back.
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Why would you say that? History has already given us the answer. As a Mendenhall owner in several leagues, I certainly wish that were the case, but in reality I think your statement is more wishful thinking coming from another Mendenhall owner.ETA: It also doesn't help Mendenhall that he has to face two tough defenses the next two weeks. A total of 36/79/0 won't look good on his resume. I wish he was facing cupcakes, but he isn't.` I'll give you this, if he sets the woods on fire the next two weeks, he deserves more PT when Parker comes back, because he would have earned it.
 
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JohnnyU said:
Teezee said:
I smell a time share from here on out even if Parker comes back.
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Why would you say that? History has already given us the answer. As a Mendenhall owner in several leagues, I certainly wish that were the case, but in reality I think your statement is more wishful thinking coming from another Mendenhall owner.ETA: It also doesn't help Mendenhall that he has to face two tough defenses the next two weeks. A total of 36/79/0 won't look good on his resume. I wish he was facing cupcakes, but he isn't.` I'll give you this, if he sets the woods on fire the next two weeks, he deserves more PT when Parker comes back, because he would have earned it.
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I definitely think this is an opportunity for Mendenhall to show the Steelers coaching staff he deserves more playing time. If he does well the next two weeks I think he will get more carries when Parker returns. Just don't expect it to be RBBC as Parker is clearly the starter and I don't think 2 good games from Mendy would be enough to change that.
 
Well if Mendy wants carries I know he's facing a tough defense but what better way to show that you deserve carries then to give it your all and do a fairly good job against Balt and Jax.... if he even comes close to fumbling i am pretty sure he's going to grab some pine when FWP comes back.

 
Clifton said:
They are making the right decision. All focus from the McCain party needs to remain on the financial crisis.
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Steelers beat reporter Ed Bouchette confirms an AP report that Willie Parker (knee sprain) is likely to miss Weeks 4 and 5.Rashard Mendenhall will start both games (vs. BAL, @ JAX) with Mewelde Moore playing on third downs. FB Carey Davis may be in the mix for goal-line carries, although if Mendenhall plays well it seems unlikely that he'd sub out in scoring position. FWP figures to return after Pittsburgh's Week 6 bye. Sep. 24 - 10:49 pm etLooks like the week 7 call may be the right one.
 
ourmanflint said:
Hipple said:
The_Man said:
Good news for Ben owners, but I agree that Mendenhall is a terrible start vs. the Ravens run D this week.
Click to expand...
I dunno. The ravens live on intimidation. Rookies sometimes are just not afraid, cause they are so amped. Mendenhall is a beast, and the line is good, and the passing game good too. I mean the ravens are dope, but this isn't the ravens of 5 years ago.I'll be starting him at flex prolly.
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Steelers will have to throw to win this game. I'd give Mendy 50 yards max.
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Why will they have to throw, because Flacco gets them out to a big lead? VERY doubtful. :lmao:
 
jurrassic said:
Steelers beat reporter Ed Bouchette confirms an AP report that Willie Parker (knee sprain) is likely to miss Weeks 4 and 5.Rashard Mendenhall will start both games (vs. BAL, @ JAX) with Mewelde Moore playing on third downs. FB Carey Davis may be in the mix for goal-line carries, although if Mendenhall plays well it seems unlikely that he'd sub out in scoring position. FWP figures to return after Pittsburgh's Week 6 bye. Sep. 24 - 10:49 pm etLooks like the week 7 call may be the right one.
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seems people here assumed this very thing. to me, this would make parker a terrific buy low candidate right now if you have space on your bench for the next few weeks.
 
JohnnyU said:
Teezee said:
I smell a time share from here on out even if Parker comes back.
Click to expand...
Why would you say that? History has already given us the answer. As a Mendenhall owner in several leagues, I certainly wish that were the case, but in reality I think your statement is more wishful thinking coming from another Mendenhall owner.ETA: It also doesn't help Mendenhall that he has to face two tough defenses the next two weeks. A total of 36/79/0 won't look good on his resume. I wish he was facing cupcakes, but he isn't.` I'll give you this, if he sets the woods on fire the next two weeks, he deserves more PT when Parker comes back, because he would have earned it.
Click to expand...
The Steelers know it's going to be tough running the ball these next two weeks regardless if Parker is back there or not. I think they are more interested in Mendenhall executing his assignments properly, showing physical toughness, and not turning the ball over. Mendenhall has a chance to make an impression on Tomlin without the gaudy numbers. I'm not saying the Steelers want a full fledged RBBC but it makes sense for them to lighten Willie's load (was on pace for 400 carries until Philly) and give Mendenhall 8-10 carries. Why else would they have drafted him so high. :bye:
 
I see the next 2 weeks as nothing but downside for FWP. If Mendenhall has 50 yards a game, everyone will say OK he played 2 tough defenses..we expected that. If he happens to have a nice game or 2 vs these D's, then I believe the potential for full blow RBBC is there. Only way the next 2 weeks can help FWP's value is if Mendenhall blows assignments left and right and fumbles in each game.

I personally see FWP as a sell (my league is very RB intensive though so I cant bring myself to pull the trigger). His value thus far comes from the fact that he dominates the carries (ie there are no receptions to supplement the rushes), and I only see his workload decreasing going forward. Plus what if he misses time even after the bye week due to the injury (that part is guesswork at best).

I was pleasantly surprised in Week 1 (we all were), but I see a lot of "17 carries for 75 yards with no catches" lines in his future.

 
JohnnyU said:
Teezee said:
I smell a time share from here on out even if Parker comes back.
Click to expand...
Why would you say that? History has already given us the answer. As a Mendenhall owner in several leagues, I certainly wish that were the case, but in reality I think your statement is more wishful thinking coming from another Mendenhall owner.ETA: It also doesn't help Mendenhall that he has to face two tough defenses the next two weeks. A total of 36/79/0 won't look good on his resume. I wish he was facing cupcakes, but he isn't.` I'll give you this, if he sets the woods on fire the next two weeks, he deserves more PT when Parker comes back, because he would have earned it.
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Things change quickly in the NFL. Teams have to adapt. My initial concern is the nature of the injury. This is not the first time Parker has had an injury to his legs. I wouldn't feel good about giving my RB 20-30 carries after injuring a knee. It's just not smart football.If Mendenhall can show that he can hold on to the ball and earn Tomlin's trust, I think you have to assume a bigger load for him down the stretch. If Pittsburgh is looking at the big picture, they do not want to play Mendenhall in the playoffs. They want Parker in there when they need him the most. So with this in mind, I see PITT using a lot more of Mendenhall throughout the regular season to save Parker's body for the playoffs. If you are going to have a RB learn on the job, I think you do it in the regular season when there is more room for error and you have the time to correct things. I don't think you can afford to do that in the playoffs.
 
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hauser42 said:
Was ready to cut Mendy this week for another option at WR. Looking to trade him this week for some short term RB or WR help. Dont think he will have a lot of value, but some owner might need some help with bye weeks coming up.
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It's about time we got an update on your team! You left us hanging for days!
 
Teezee said:
Things change quickly in the NFL. Teams have to adapt. My initial concern is the nature of the injury. This is not the first time Parker has had an injury to his legs. I wouldn't feel good about giving my RB 20-30 carries after injuring a knee. It's just not smart football.If Mendenhall can show that he can hold on to the ball and earn Tomlin's trust, I think you have to assume a bigger load for him down the stretch. If Pittsburgh is looking at the big picture, they do not want to play Mendenhall in the playoffs. They want Parker in there when they need him the most. So with this in mind, I see PITT using a lot more of Mendenhall throughout the regular season to save Parker's body for the playoffs. If you are going to have a RB learn on the job, I think you do it in the regular season when there is more room for error and you have the time to correct things. I don't think you can afford to do that in the playoffs.
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tomlin is giving FWP 3 weeks off essentially because of the bye week. parker has missed 2 games in the previous 3 years. he has not proven to be an injury risk up to this point in his career. i don't expect him to now. he'll be fine when he returns week 7.i do expect the steelers to lean on the running game more because it's the best way to protect Ben. mendenhall will get a chance to prove himself and get some touches.
 
fo shizzle said:
I see the next 2 weeks as nothing but downside for FWP. If Mendenhall has 50 yards a game, everyone will say OK he played 2 tough defenses..we expected that. If he happens to have a nice game or 2 vs these D's, then I believe the potential for full blow RBBC is there. Only way the next 2 weeks can help FWP's value is if Mendenhall blows assignments left and right and fumbles in each game.

I personally see FWP as a sell (my league is very RB intensive though so I cant bring myself to pull the trigger). His value thus far comes from the fact that he dominates the carries (ie there are no receptions to supplement the rushes), and I only see his workload decreasing going forward. Plus what if he misses time even after the bye week due to the injury (that part is guesswork at best).

I was pleasantly surprised in Week 1 (we all were), but I see a lot of "17 carries for 75 yards with no catches" lines in his future.
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Why are they not giving him a couple screens/swings a game. He has ok hands and works well in space. Yeah the Steelers had good stst last year but some of that was Ben improvising. I'm not thrilled with the Bruce Arians era.
 
belljr said:
fo shizzle said:
I see the next 2 weeks as nothing but downside for FWP. If Mendenhall has 50 yards a game, everyone will say OK he played 2 tough defenses..we expected that. If he happens to have a nice game or 2 vs these D's, then I believe the potential for full blow RBBC is there. Only way the next 2 weeks can help FWP's value is if Mendenhall blows assignments left and right and fumbles in each game.

I personally see FWP as a sell (my league is very RB intensive though so I cant bring myself to pull the trigger). His value thus far comes from the fact that he dominates the carries (ie there are no receptions to supplement the rushes), and I only see his workload decreasing going forward. Plus what if he misses time even after the bye week due to the injury (that part is guesswork at best).

I was pleasantly surprised in Week 1 (we all were), but I see a lot of "17 carries for 75 yards with no catches" lines in his future.
Click to expand...
Why are they not giving him a couple screens/swings a game. He has ok hands and works well in space. Yeah the Steelers had good stst last year but some of that was Ben improvising. I'm not thrilled with the Bruce Arians era.
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A Steelers fan could answer this much better than I can..Ill just add that I would love to know the answer to this myself. Ben is getting killed with the blitz..screen pass down?
 
Anyone know how well Mendenhall blocks? How about Mewelde? No reason to think this, but something is drawing me to Mewelde.

 
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