PITTSBURGH, Sept. 7 (UPI) -- Veteran Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jerome Bettis will miss the season opener Sunday when the Steelers host the Tennessee Titans.
Bettis, 33, suffered a calf injury in a pre-season contest against Washington Aug. 26 and it has been slow to heal.
Likely starting in his place will be second-year pro Willie Parker as Duce Staley is also hampered by a knee injury, said Coach Bill Cowher at his first weekly meeting with the media Wednesday.
Bettis enjoyed a solid 2004 season, rushing for 941 yards on 250 carries with 13 touchdowns.
The former Notre Dame star has played 12 years in the NFL since the Rams made him the 10th overall pick in the 1993 draft. He is fifth in NFL history with 13,294 rushing yards and has 82 rushing touchdowns on 3,369 carries.
