It’s not easy to replace a runner called The Bus. Steelers coach Bill Cowher said it might take a couple of running backs to fill Jerome Bettis’ former role. Bettis pounded the ball inside in short-yardage and goal-line situations and scored nine touchdowns in 110 carries during the Steelers’ Super Bowl run last season. “I can’t say right now there’s been one person, like we had with Jerome,” Cowher said Wednesday at Steelers training camp at St. Vincent College. “I don’t think that’s a bad thing. That’s the way it was last year. This year is a different year, and we’ll go from there.” Running back Willie Parker will get first crack at goal-line duty when the Steelers (0-2) play the Philadelphia Eagles (1-2) in a preseason game Friday night at Lincoln Financial Field. Cowher said Parker will play the first quarter with the starters — and this time he won’t run off the field in most short-yardage situations. “Whatever the coach decides, I’m all for,” Parker said. “Catching balls, short yardage, goal line, I’m all for it.” Although Parker was the starter, he scored only four rushing touchdowns last regular season while putting the team in scoring position numerous times with 1,202 rushing yards. “I feel like I ran the ball up and down the field,” he said. “That glory would be great. The more touchdowns you get, the more attention you get.” Cowher said the search for Bettis’ replacement will carry into the season. “That’s going to have to be something that plays itself out,” he said. Fifth-year running back Verron Haynes also will have more opportunities in third-down situations, Cowher said. Playing strictly a backup role, Haynes has scored three career touchdowns in 53 career games. Running back Duce Staley, who gained 25 yards in 12 carries during the first two preseason games, could be left without a role. Asked if Haynes’ and Staley’s roles remain up for debate, Cowher said, “I don’t know if debate is the right word. We’re looking at them. Verron’s had a very good camp. And I think Duce is working himself back into running shape. “Verron has proven to be a very, very good third-down back,” Cowher said. “And I think with Willie being the starter, and having those other two guys, you can never have enough good running backs the way we play the game.” Staley’s agent, Derrick Harrison, said he wasn’t aware of Internet reports that the Steelers were attempting to trade his client. “The Steelers haven’t made us aware that’s the case,” Harrison said. Asked about the trade talk after practice, Staley said, “No comment, other than it’s like I keep saying. I want to keep playing here.” Steelers spokesman Dave Lockett said reports that Staley is about to be traded were not accurate. Additional Information:

Complete coverage

Top AP Sports NFL Team-by-Team NFL Game Stories MLB | NHL NASCAR | Tennis College Football Sports Gallery News | Living Business NFL Stories Top Sports Stories

---

Copyright ©2026— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)

---