Willie Parker Has Torn Labrum, It's Unclear When He'll Play Again This Season

Willie Parker already missed four games this season because of a bum knee, and he'll be out of commission against the Colts this afternoon after injuring his shoulder in Washington last Monday night.

According to NFL Network's Adam Schefter, it could be something that keeps Parker out for more than one game:

Willie Parker found out during the week that he has a torn labrum in his shoulder. He went for a second opinion on that shoulder on Friday; if and when he plays again this season, he's going to have to wear a harness. [The Steelers are] awaiting the results of a second test ... to see what the proper course of action is.

Schefter also points out that Chad Javon Ocho Cinco has played the 2008 season with the same injury -- and the requisite harness -- and hasn't been his usual effective self.

Mr. Cinco has just 37 receptions for 349 yards and four touchdowns through eight games, and perhaps his injury has something to do with that. To be fair, though, the Bengals are without Carson Palmer, the offensive line is in disarray, and the running game, prior to Cedric Benson's arrival, anyway, has been nonexistent. These issues also might have something to do with his drop in productivity, too.

For the Steelers, they could be down to Mewelde Moore, Gary Russell and, well, that's it since Najeh Davenport was released yesterday. Moore has fared well as a starter, but I'm not sure he can handle 20-plus carries a game for the next two months. Russell is a fan favorite, but he's been relegated to mop-up duty when he's not toiling away on the practice squad.

I think Pittsburgh's running game will be fine, but I'd also like to see James Harrison get a few carries. Let's just hope, for the sanctity of the game, that he doesn't break tackles in an intimidating manner.

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