Moore starting over Parker isn’t a bad thing for Pittsburgh

By Neal Coolong  |   Friday, October 17, 2008  |  Comments( 3 )

Pittsburgh Steelers
Got something to say?

Log In above and share your thoughts on this topic with other fans!

There isn't an opponent Willie Parker enjoys more than the Cincinnati Bengals, whom the running back has six career touchdowns against..

The problem is that Parker re-aggravated a sprained medial collateral ligament in his left knee on Monday, the same injury that caused him to miss the past two Steelers games. He missed practice the rest of the week, strongly indicating that Mewelde Moore will get his third straight start Sunday.

Commentary: It's not all bad for Pittsburgh. Moore has been a huge part of the past two wins, churning out 99 yards on 17 carries against Jacksonville and a huge catch and run that set up the game-winning field goal versus Baltimore.

The free-agent acquisition has been one of a few Steelers to fill in nicely for an injured starter. Right guard Darnell Stapleton, for example, will also make another start in place of Kendall Simmons, who is out for the season with an Achilles injury. The backups have some ground to make up in the running game (the Steelers are uncharacteristically the 22nd-ranked offense with 3.7 yards per carry).

Moore, Stapleton and the Steelers will look to improve that against a Bengals team that is allowing 156 yards per game on the ground, good for 28th in the NFL.

Fan Pulse: Parker's injury is a hot topic among fans posting on the message boards of Steelers Fever.

Fantasy Football Impact: Moore was no doubt one of the hottest waiver-wire pickups before Week 6, after it was announced that Parker wouldn't play. With as poor as the Bengals are against stopping the run, he'll be an even better option in Week 7.

Injury Watch: Left tackle Marvel Smith and fullback Carey Davis did not practice Thursday, either, indicating they may not play against the Bengals. The Steelers would go with a running back trio of Moore, Gary Russell and Najeh Davenport if Davis isn't activated, and Max Starks would replace Smith.
Got something to say?

Log In above and share your thoughts on this topic with other fans! (3)

About Neal Coolong

Neal Coolong is a freelance sports writer with contributions to Scout.com, AOL and Steelers Live. He lives with his fiance in St. Paul, Minn., and saves every dime (that she knows about) for their wedding next June. He's already made the prediction that the Steelers 2007 draft class will be one ...
read more
Article Tools Share!   |  RSS  |  Bleacher Report About Bleacher Report