Ravens QB Boller could be out for extended period

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Boller to see specialist in North CarolinaESPN.com news services

Baltimore Ravens: Quarterback Kyle Boller will see a specialist in North Carolina today, the Baltimore Sun reported.

His hyperextended right big toe could even need surgery.

Coach Brian Billick has been cautious since the injury opening weekend, saying Boller could be back by Oct. 2 or out as long as two months. After a TV report about potential surgery, he had this to say:

"He's been told that there's a possibility of surgery since the injury happened," Billick told the Sun. "There was always that possibility. I don't know if it's any more viable now than it was before."

Boller doesn't want to talk about surgery and is nocommital about playing against the Jets on Oct. 2.

"Right now, I have no idea," Boller told the paper. "I'm taking it day to day and trying to get my toe healthy. I'm going to do whatever the doctors tell me. If I do that, hopefully, I'll be out there very soon."

Pittsburgh Steelers: Willie Parker has earned the starting job with consecutive 100-yard games -- regardless of the health of Jerome Bettis and Duce Staley.

"Willie's starting again next week," coach Bill Cowher told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette after Sunday's win. "He's our starter."

Parker, who rushed for 111 yards Sunday after gaining 161 yards in Week 1, remained humble about his prospects.

"It's a surprise," he told the Post-Gazette. "I try to stay away from who's a starter and who's not a starter. Jerome, Duce and those guys have been great.

"I'm still not [convinced], I don't care what coach Cowher or anybody thinks. I'm just really trying to help the team out anyway I can."

Philadelphia Eagles: Shawn Andrews left in the second half Sunday with a bruised shoulder and will have an MRI today.

The right offensive guard told the Philadelphia Inquirer that he would be fine.

He missed the third preseason game with a shoulder injury, but coach Andy Reid said this was not the same injury.