The question now is, what becomes of Fast Willie in the wake of Rashard Mendenhall's Walter Payton imitation? RB Willie Parker missed the Steelers' 38-28 win because of turf toe and likely is on his way out of town after the season as a free agent. His main competition for playing time — Mendenhall — was a first-round pick who makes a ton of money. That doesn't sound like a recipe for regaining the starting job.
"You gotta ask coach about that," Parker said. "There's nothing I can say there. When my number gets called, I'll run the ball."
Parker predicts he will play next week against the Detroit Lions.
"I'm looking forward to it," he said.