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Jags' Taylor Might Make 1st Pro Bowl

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The Associated Press

Published: December 22, 2007

JACKSONVILLE - It looks like Jaguars running back Fred Taylor may make the Pro Bowl after all, although he didn't want to get there like this.

Pittsburgh's Willie Parker broke a bone in his right leg Thursday night, a season-ending injury that opened the door for Taylor to make his first trip to Hawaii for the league's all-star game.

"I've got mixed emotions about it right now," said Taylor, the first alternate who ranks 18th on the NFL's all-time rushing list. "It's just a strange, awkward feeling right now. I don't want to get excited one way or another. The first thing I've got to do is help this team beat the Oakland Raiders on Sunday."

Taylor, who had four consecutive 100-yard games, finished fourth in pro balloting this week behind San Diego's LaDainian Tomlinson, Indianapolis' Joseph Addai and Parker.

Taylor initially considered turning down an offer if one of those three couldn't make the trip, but his wife convinced him otherwise.

Nonetheless, he didn't want anyone to get hurt to get him to Honolulu.

Taylor said Parker called him shortly after his injury, while the game was still be played.

"I was just leaving the team Christmas party when he called and told me he was going to be all right," Taylor said. "He told me he definitely wants me to accept the invite to the Pro Bowl considering the situation.

"I told him to keep his head up, stay positive and work through it, that he'll be back probably stronger than ever."

Parker still could go to the Pro Bowl despite the injury, but most expect him to withdraw and free up a spot for Taylor.

Taylor, though, declined to say whether Parker had made a decision.

"He said something, but I'll keep that secret," Taylor said. "I'll just keep it up to you guys' media imagination. I'm not going to get too excited one way or another. It's just unfortunate and I hate that."

PACKERS: Defensive tackle Ryan Pickett (groin) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game and will be a game-time decision.

PANTHERS: Defensive end Julius Peppers is doubtful for tonight's game against Dallas with a sprained right knee.

Peppers missed his fourth straight practice Friday, and will likely be replaced by Stanley McClover or rookie Charles Johnson in the lineup against the Cowboys.

Quarterback Vinny Testaverde (Achilles' tendon) also participated in Friday's walkthrough after a day off and is listed as probable. Testaverde will likely be the No. 2 quarterback behind Matt Moore, who will make his second straight start.

Also Friday, the Panthers placed wide receiver Keary Colbert on injured reserve with a knee injury sustained two weeks ago. Receiver Jason Carter was promoted from the practice squad to the 53-man roster.

RAIDERS: Josh McCown will start at quarterback Sunday in Jacksonville, with rookie JaMarcus Russell slated to come off the bench as a reserve. Also, Dominic Rhodes will start at running back in place of the injured Justin Fargas, with LaMont Jordan coming off the bench.

RAMS: Wide receiver Torry Holt was caught by TV cameras yelling at Coach Scott Linehan after Ike Taylor's 51-yard interception for a touchdown on a fourth-and-10 play put Thursday night's loss to Pittsburgh out of reach.

Linehan downplayed the exchange after the game, saying it was not a "big deal" and was said in the "heat of the battle."

RAVENS: Middle linebacker Ray Lewis is unlikely to play Sunday because of a dislocated finger on his left hand. Tight end Todd Heap is also expected to miss the game, and cornerback Samari Rolle was placed on injured reserve with a shoulder injury, ending his season.

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