Vikings rookie RB Gerhart will enjoy his backup role

Putting on the Minnesota Vikings jersey after being picked by the team in the second round of 2010 NFL draft, rookie running back Toby Gerhart has adjusted himself to NFL career with a elite team full with big-name players. With Adrian Peterson being the No.1 running back of the team, Gerhart has a clear definition of his own role.

"Adrian is the guy," Gerhart said. "I'm going to embrace whatever role the Vikings have for me. Competition is always good. I'll push him and make him get better every day in practice, and I'll push myself. Hopefully, I can give him a break during games. Maybe we'll be in the backfield together. We could be a dangerous tandem."

By so far, it has been expected that Gerhart will replace Chester Taylor, who was signed away by the Chicago Bears during free agency, to be the No.2 running back behind Peterson. Compared to Taylor, who had an average of six carries per game in 2009 but 44 catches for 389 yards, Gerhart was originally believed to be able to catch, but he still managed to have 24 catches for 271 yards in his last two college seasons. As also a baseball player, Gerhart himself believes that he can catch the ball much better if he is given opportunities. Well, that is very likely to be proven during the preseason.

Steelers RB Parker skipped Wednesday practice with toe injury unhealed

After missing the 38-28 victory over the San Diego Chargers on Sunday, the Pittsburgh Steelers running back Willie Parker also missed the team’s practice Wednesday because of the injured left big toe. And the injury may keep him out of a second game, which will be held in Detroit this Sunday.

“I’m a competitor and I want to compete and show the world what I’ve got but, at the same time, I’ve got to be smart about it,” said Parker, who ran for at least 1,200 yards every season from 2005-07. “Right now, I’m not where I need to be.”

The last time when Parker played in Detroit, he made a 75-yard touchdown run and helped the Steelers beat the Seattle Seahawks 21-10 in the Super Bowl in February 2006. It would be a pity if he would not play this Sunday’s game at Detroit. But it would also be a good chance for Rashard Mendenhall, who started last Sunday’s game against the Chargers and ran for 65 yards and two touchdowns in his place.