Steelers RB Parker to miss third straight game

Oct 17, 2008 - 6:14 PM PITTSBURGH (Ticker) -- Pittsburgh Steelers running back Willie Parker has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Parker has missed the Steelers' last two games because of a sprained medial collateral ligament in his left knee. He was expected back this weekend, but he aggravated the injury Tuesday and has not practiced since.

Mewelde Moore is expected to start in place of Parker, with Gary Russell backing him up and Najeh Davenport serving as the short-yardage back.

The Steelers (4-1) likely did not feel they needed to rush Parker back for the game against Cincinnati (0-6), considering Moore has played well in his absence.

In the Steelers' 23-20 win over Baltimore in Week Four, Moore's 24-yard reception in overtime set up a game-winning field goal. The following week against Jacksonville, he rushed for for 99 yards on 17 carries in a 26-21 victory.