PITTSBURGH -- Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall missed practice Thursday with flu-like symptoms, allowing Willie Parker to take more carries with the starters as he returns from a two-week layoff with a toe injury.
Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians says he likely will not pick a featured back until game time Sunday against the Cleveland Browns.
Mendenhall, a first-round draft pick last year, ran for 165 yards against the San Diego Chargers and 77 against the Detroit Lions after Parker injured his left big toe during a Sept. 27 game against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Steelers are hopeful that Mendenhall can practice Friday.
Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press
