Parker Misses Practice Again, Backup Moore Ready For Challenge

Parker Sidelined By Knee Injury Since Sept. 21

POSTED: 3:34 pm EDT October 15, 2008

UPDATED: 7:20 pm EDT October 16, 2008

PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh Steelers running back Willie Parker did not practice with the team Thursday, and his status for Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals remains in doubt.

Parker last practiced with the team on Monday after missing several weeks since suffering a knee sprain during a 15-6 loss to Philadelphia on Sept. 21.

Parker reportedly stepped into a hole on the practice field and re-aggravated the injury.

Head coach Mike Tomlin said Parker's status for Sunday's game is up in the air.

"He's not well enough to practice today and we'll be hopeful tomorrow. We'll see where he is in the morning, but he's still experiencing some discomfort," said Tomlin.

If Parker is unable to play, backup running back Mewelde Moore will get the start.

Moore rushed for 99 yards while filling in for Parker against the Jacksonville Jaguars and said he's always ready to carry the load.

"It's all about going out there and doing your job, doing everything you can -- practicing hard, working hard, paying attention to detail and doing everything that coaches ask you to do -- just leaving it all out on the field," Moore said.

Nose tackle Casey Hampton (groin) and offensive tackle Marvel Smith (back spasms) also sat out Thursday's practice.

If Smith is unable to go, backup tackle Max Starks could start in his place.

"I don't want to wish anything bad upon anyone or see anything bad happen to my teammates, but we have a situation where they've asked me to help, so I'm willing, able and ready for the opportunity," said Starks.

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