PITTSBURGH -- Starting running back Willie Parker will miss the Pittsburgh Steelers' AFC North Division showdown with Baltimore on Monday night at Heinz Field.
Parker has a sprained knee and was ruled out of the big game against the unbeaten Ravens during coach Mike Tomlin's weekly news conference on Tuesday.
Rookie Rashard Mendenhall, a first-round draft pick from Illinois, will step in for Parker and be the "primary ball carrier" for the Steelers, Tomlin said.
"Rashard is a really talented guy. He has been practicing well," Tomlin said. "He gets his opportunities, and I think that's what team football is all about."
Parker's knee injury happened near the end of the fourth quarter Sunday in the Steelers' 15-6 loss at Philadelphia, according to Tomlin.
It's unclear how long Parker will be out of action. Tomlin classified his status as week to week.
"Our team is excited to see what he (Mendenhall) is capable of doing," Tomlin said. "What better way than 'Monday Night Football' against the Baltimore Ravens?"
Mendenhall has not run the ball since he had 10 carries in the season opener against Houston.
Tomlin said that statistic was situational and not reflective of Mendenhall's fumbling problems during the pre-season.
"For now, that's just how I look at it -- just game in and game out," Mendenhall told Channel 4 Action Sports' Guy Junker prior to Parker's injury. "I just try to get as good as I can and better myself every day. Come game time, I hope they have as much trust in me as they can, and however many times I'm called on, I plan on being ready."
Nose tackle Casey Hampton will also miss the Baltimore game. He has a groin injury, Tomlin said.
Programming Note: The Steelers-Ravens game will air live at 8:30 p.m. on WTAE Channel 4, after a 90-minute
"Black and Gold Primetime" pregame show at 7 p.m.
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