Willie

Parker

He’s not worth grabbing in fantasy leagues, but Parker could earn time on third downs. He had an excellent preseason.

Since this should only last a week, Parker isn’t an exciting fantasy prospect in 2004.

With Staley always nicked up, and Jerome Bettis and Verron Haynes likely in their final seasons with Pittsburgh, the Steelers could groom Willie Parker to have a larger role this year. He’s a fun dynasty league pickup.

With Duce Staley out, Parker will try to prove to Bill Cowher that he’s worthy of carries. He’s looked good so far. Still not quite draftable in redraft leagues, Parker is someone to watch this month.

Asked for players who stood out during camp, coach Bill Cowher singled out Parker. He said the Steelers must ''Get the ball in his hands, somehow, some way.’' Now squarely on the fantasy radar, it looks like Parker could muscle Verron Haynes out for committee duties with Jerome Bettis. An injury to Bettis would make him very valuable.

We’ve heard he’s the favorite to split carries with Jerome Bettis until Duce Staley gets back. Look for Parker to get more work next game.

He also caught a 20-yard pass. Parker has passed Verron Haynes on the depth chart and is suddenly in the mix for a major role in Pittsburgh. He’s worth picking up as a flier, especially if you draft Duce Staley or Jerome Bettis.

Already an excellent RB2 in points-per-reception leagues, Fast Willie would shoot up our FP cheat sheets if he added short-yardage work to his repertoire. Duce Staley and Verron Haynes are the favorites to receive carries near the goal line for now.

Duce Staley and Verron Haynes were competing for the job, but Pittsburgh feels Haynes is more suited as a third-down back and Staley has been unimpressive in camp. Fast Willie Parker, already coming as a great RB2 value, can improve significantly in his second season as a starter.

Parker, who touched the ball on the first five plays from scrimmage, executed nicely on a second-and-one. He finished with 13 yards on three carries and three grabs for 18 yards. We’ve moved Fast Willie ahead of Brian Westbrook in our cheat sheets.