PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh Steelers running back Willie Parker's season is over after he broke his leg early in Thursday night's game against the St. Louis Rams.

The injury is a dark chapter in the Steelers' playoff drive, but it casts a bright light on another problem: field turf, a surface the team is considering to replace the grass at Heinz Field.

But is it more dangerous for the players?

Most people thought field turf was the solution to Heinz Field's sloppy conditions, but what happened to Parker in the Steelers' 41-24 win over the Rams might have changed their minds.

Late last month, when the Pro Bowl Parker was asked which he preferred, field turf or natural grass, he said field turf.

"There's no question," Parker said. "Yeah. I'm way faster. I'd go for turf. If it's up to me, I'd do turf."

"It's disappointing anytime you are on this turf, and if your foot gets caught wrong, it can lead to a serious injury," said wide receiver Hines Ward.

The field turf is the same stuff the Steelers use at their indoor practice site.

The latest survey of NFL players said they would rather play on grass, believing turf would shorten their playing careers and affect their lives after football.

"Like I say, grass is still safer," said Dr. Freddie Fu of UPMC Sports Medicine.

Fu said while field turf is getting better, it doesn't completely replace a natural surface.

His fellow physician said studies show part of the turf troubles might come down to their choice of footwear and the competitive edge it creates.

"They like that grab, because you can cut and turn on a dime, but what that does is put your foot in a fixed position when the rest of your body is in another position, and that leads to those twisting injuries," said Dr. Tanya Hagen.

The future of the playing surface at Heinz Field might be less about grass versus turf and more about a consistent field versus a constant risk of injury.

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