Steelers RB Parker to miss game vs. Ravens

Sep 23, 2008 - 5:18 PM PITTSBURGH (Ticker) -- Pittsburgh Steelers running back Willie Parker will be sidelined for Monday night's game against the Baltimore Ravens due to a sprained knee.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that Parker suffered the injury in last Sunday's 15-6 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. He was limited to 20 yards on 13 carries after opening the season with back-to-back 100-yard efforts.

"He came out and we knew he was uncomfortable," Tomlin said. "We didn't get the information until (Monday) when we were able to run some tests."

Parker's injury clears the way for rookie Rashard Mendenhall to make his first career start.

The No. 23 overall pick in April, Mendenhall had 28 yards rushing on 10 carries in a season- opening 38-17 romp over Houston. He had one reception for 11 yards against the Eagles.

"Rashard is ready," Tomlin said. "He is a talented guy. He has been practicing well. He gets his opportunity and that is what team football is about. You look at his peers around the league and they've been getting opportunities, partly because they don't have Willie Parker playing in front of them.

"I am sure he is excited about it. I know our team is excited to see what he is capable of doing. What better way to start than on Monday Night Football against the Baltimore Ravens."

Pittsburgh also will be without nose tackle Casey Hampton, who suffered a groin strain in Sunday's game, and defensive end Brett Keisel, who will sit out his second straight contest with a calf strain.