Tomlin: RB Parker will play vs. Chargers

Nov 12, 2008 - 2:02 AM PITTSBURGH (Ticker) -- Pittsburgh Steelers running back Willie Parker has shoulder subluxation but is expected to play this week against the San Diego Chargers, head coach Mike Tomlin announced on Tuesday.

Parker was inactive for last week's 24-20 loss to the Indianapolis Colts - the fifth time in the last six games that Parker has been sidelined.

He missed four weeks with a knee injury, but returned on November 3 and ran for 71 yards and a touchdown in a 23-6 win over Washington. The two-time Pro Bowler suffered the injury in that contest.

A subluxation is when the shoulder pops out of the joint and immediately goes back in. Parker is being fitted with a shoulder harness and will focus on strengthening the muscles in the shoulder to prevent another injury.

"We weren't able to let (Parker) go last week, but it's our intention to let him go and practice this week and play for us this weekend," Tomlin said.

Parker's return may help boost a struggling running game that has totaled 214 yards over the past three games. Mewelde Moore has started three of the last four games and has six touchdowns.

Moore was limited to 57 yards on 24 carries against Indianapolis. He ran for minus-2 yards on four carries against Washington.

Tomlin also said that quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is "day-to-day" with a shoulder injury that he played through against the Colts. Like Parker, Roethlisberger suffered the injury against Washington.

He was 30-of-42 for 284 yards and threw three costly interceptions in Sunday's loss - the last of which led to Indianapolis' go-ahead touchdown with 3:04 remaining.

Tomlin said Roethlisberger will need more practice time if he is to play this week.

"It's important that you practice and get physical reps," Tomlin said. "One of the things we've been dealing with in regards to his situation is a little short-term misery, if you will."