Willie Parker, Redskins reach one year deal

The Washington Redskins have reached agreement with free agent running back Willie Parker on a one-year deal with a maximum value of $3.1 million, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Parker will be joining a crowded backfield as the Redskins signed Larry Johnson last month, and Clinton Portis will be returning for another season.

Week 17 Injury Report: Polamalu “running” today

According to Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, the Steelers focus heading into their regular season finale is just winning in Miami and letting the rest of the playoff scenario’s take care of it self. A popular topic this week is whether teams like the Bengals and Patriots will sit starters as such moves could have a major impact on the Steelers playoff hopes. For the Steelers, there’s nothing they can do about it. “This is our bed, we created it, ” Mike Tomlin said. “We’re going to lay in it.” On the injury front linebacker Rocky Boiman – (calf strain), running back Willie Parker – (shoulder), and Brett Keisel (neck discomfort) will all be limited early in the week

Townsend to make 1st start of season; Parker to play in final home game @ Heinz Field?

Townsend earns 1st start of the season In a move that should have been considered weeks ago, cornerback Deshea Townsend took first team reps at cornerback all week and will make his first start of the season Sunday afternoon against the Baltimore Ravens. Townsend will replace William Gay in the starting lineup. However, in the nickel base defense, Townsend will slide back as the nickel back –position he has played all season. Based on practice this week, Joe Burnett will see his playing time decrease a bit this week. Steelers focus on Ray Rice The Steelers focus this week is on Ravens running back Ray Rice. Rice exploited the Steelers in their week 12 matchup and the Steelers primary focus

Harrison, Ward won’t be at full strength for Sunday’s showdown

The 7-7 Pittsburgh Steelers head into Sunday’s game as a much more confident team than we’ve seen the past couple weeks after last Sunday’s thrilling 37-36 victory over the Green Bay Packers. The Steelers have a “pulse” according to head coach Mike Tomlin and this week the team appeared to have a little bit of their swagger back. It was a much looser team in the locker room. In a must win situation against Baltimore, Pittsburgh will not be close to being at full strength and the same can be said for the 8-6 Baltimore Ravens Strong safety Troy Polamalu will miss his 10th game of the season and starting guard Chris Kemoeatu had a minor setback and will miss

Post-Cleveland Judgements

The Pittsburgh Steelers chances of earning a playoff berth took another serious blow Thursday night as the Steelers lost their 5th straight game in what has become a stunning collapse for a team that had the look of being another Super Bowl contender, through the first eight weeks of the season. The AFC playoff picture is bunched up and even if the Steelers found a way to turn things around and win out, which appears very unlikely, their conference losses (6) has them needing Jacksonville to lose 3 games, Baltimore to lose 2 games and the Jets losing 2 games for a chance to clinch the 6th seed. JAX 7-5 (Miami, Indy, at New England, at Cleveland) BAL 6-6 (Detroit,

Wednesday Practice Report: Polamalu wearing heavy brace

*Safety Troy Polamalu was on the field today but did not practice. He was wearing a heavy knee brace as the Steelers want his knee somewhat mobilized the next couple days. Polamalu is regarded as “questionable at best” for Sunday’s game against Kansas City but he’s all but certain to miss his 5th game of the season. Tyrone Carter took first team reps today at safety in place of Polamalu. Browns claim Arnold Harrison *The Cleveland Browns claimed linebacker Arnold Harrison who was released by Pittsburgh on Tuesday to make room for Donovan Woods. Woods will be active against Kansas City. Bulletin board material for the Steelers? * The Cincinnati Bengals gave the Steelers plenty of bulletin board material, if

Day After: The Latest Steelers Buzz

*Much of the buzz surrounding the Steelers going into week 6 was who would start at running back. As expected Rashard Mendenhall started and got the bulk of the carries. Moving forward the starting job is Mendenhall’s to lose. Mendenhall gives the Steelers offense another dimension with his pass catching and blocking ability and the coaching staff wants Mendenhall to be their lead runner. His type of running style suits the kind of offense Bruce Arians wants to run. In Mendenhall’s three starts, the Steelers have scored 93 points. Willie Parker though has been a very important part of the Steelers franchise the past 5 seasons. He’s been their starting tailback for two Super Bowl winning teams. He won’t be

Latest Steelers Buzz: Aaron Smith out for a significant period of time?

Week 6: Mike Tomlin Press Conference The Steelers have begun preparations for the lowly Cleveland Browns as the Steelers look for their first division win of the season. The Steelers have won 11 straight against Cleveland winning the previous meeting against Cleveland 31-0 last December. The Browns are 1-4 this season and 0-2 in the AFC North. Injury Front The big news on the injury front today is that

Latest Steelers Buzz: Polamalu’s status for Sunday’s game unclear

Week 5: Mike Tomlin Press Conference The key for the Steelers this week is getting consecutive wins for the first time this season and as the Steelers travel to Detroit this weekend, the Steelers will also be looking for their first road win of the season. Injury Report *According to Mike Tomlin, Troy Polamalu is progressing well, he may participate in a limited basis on Wednesday. His participation though for Sunday’s game is unclear. His availability depends on how he practices this week. Safety Ryan Clark (lower back), Chris Kemoeatu (left ankle), and Andre Frazier (Shoulder) will all be limited early in the week. All three players are expected to play. *Tight End David Johnson (high ankle sprain) is expected