Willie Parker Has Torn Labrum, It's Unclear When He'll Play Again This Season

Willie Parker already missed four games this season because of a bum knee, and he'll be out of commission against the Colts this afternoon after injuring his shoulder in Washington last Monday night.

According to NFL Network's Adam Schefter, it could be something that keeps Parker out for more than one game:

Willie Parker found out during the week that he has a torn labrum in his shoulder. He went for a second opinion on that shoulder on Friday; if and when he plays again this season, he's going to have to wear a harness. [The Steelers are] awaiting the results of a second test ... to see what the proper course of action is.

Schefter also points out that Chad Javon Ocho Cinco has played the 2008 season with the same injury -- and the requisite harness -- and hasn't been his usual effective self.

Mr. Cinco has just 37 receptions for 349 yards and four touchdowns through eight games, and perhaps his injury has something to do with that. To be fair, though, the Bengals are without Carson Palmer, the offensive line is in disarray, and the running game, prior to Cedric Benson's arrival, anyway, has been nonexistent. These issues also might have something to do with his drop in productivity, too.

For the Steelers, they could be down to Mewelde Moore, Gary Russell and, well, that's it since Najeh Davenport was released yesterday. Moore has fared well as a starter, but I'm not sure he can handle 20-plus carries a game for the next two months. Russell is a fan favorite, but he's been relegated to mop-up duty when he's not toiling away on the practice squad.

I think Pittsburgh's running game will be fine, but I'd also like to see James Harrison get a few carries. Let's just hope, for the sanctity of the game, that he doesn't break tackles in an intimidating manner.

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MINNEAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 09: A Minnesota Vikings fan cheers during the game with the Green Bay Packers on November 9, 2008 at the Metrodome in Mineapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings won 28-27. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

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PITTSBURGH - NOVEMBER 09: Ben Roethlisberger #7 and Mewelde Moore #21 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrate Moore's touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts on November 9, 2008 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Ben Roethlisberger;Mewelde Moore

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MINNEAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 09: A Minnesota Vikings fan shouts during the game with the Green Bay Packers on November 9, 2008 at the Metrodome in Mineapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings won 28-27. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

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MINNEAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 09: Running back Ryan Grant #25 of the Green Bay Packers carries the ball against the Minnesota Vikings on November 9, 2008 at the Metrodome in Mineapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings won 28-27. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Ryan Grant

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MINNEAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 09: Will Blackmon #27 of the Green Bay Packers returns a punt 65 yards for a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings on November 9, 2008 at the Metrodome in Mineapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings won 28-27. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Will Blackmon

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MINNEAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 09: Minnesota Vikings cheerleaders stand for the national anthem before the game with the Green Bay Packers on November 9, 2008 at the Metrodome in Mineapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

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Oakland Raiders cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, left, intercepts a pass intended for Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith, right, during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 9, 2008, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)

Carolina Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers, right, chases Oakland Raiders running back Justin Fargas (25) during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 9, 2008, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)

Oakland Raiders quarterback Andrew Walter passes against the Carolina Panthers during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 9, 2008, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)

OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 09: DeAngelo Williams #34 of the Carolina Panthers celebrates with Jake Delhome #17 after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter against the Oakland Raiders during an NFL game on November 9, 2008 at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** DeAngelo Williams;Jake Delhome

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

11-09-2008 @ 3:00PM

RICH said...

No worries. Yes Willie will be missed if thats the case but we will be fine. Hurry back Willie

11-09-2008 @ 4:51PM

rosie said...

a steeler fan in raven country.
GO STEELERS!!!!!!!!!!

11-09-2008 @ 7:18PM

gary said...

big ben must be benched you can not be so reckless with the ball and expect to win and steeler fans expect to win lets go byron!!!!!!!

11-09-2008 @ 7:32PM

copspills said...

Ben has to sit for a while.The Colts should have been beaten today. San Diego is next, STEELERS RISK LOOSING TO THEM TOO.

Suzy said...

Get rid of Roethlisberger....... he is bringing the team down!

11-11-2008 @ 9:42AM

John said...

did any other rbs get any carries ? The Steelers need a coach instead of cheerleader on the sidelines !!

11-09-2008 @ 8:33PM

jamie said...

yes i think BEN has to sit and think what he is doing those interceptions cost the steelers the game .he is still a great player but they may need to rest him so he can re focus and not make the mistakes that cost the team !!!!!!

11-09-2008 @ 9:42PM

ED said...

Ben and Ariens lost that game tonight against Indy.What a shame that the defense and the rest of the team has to put up with such bad play calling and bad decision making. Ben should have sit out tonight and let LEftwich do his thing.WHAT A SHAME!!!