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By Scott Brown
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Friday, December 5, 2008
Ben Roethlisberger practiced Thursday, and the Steelers'quarterback is expected to be OK for Sunday's game against the visiting Dallas Cowboys.
"Ben's fine," Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said.
The Steelers had shut down Roethlisberger for the last half hour of practice Wednesday after he slipped while trying to throw a pass. He had his right knee wrapped in ice after practice, but that turned out to be nothing more than a precautionary measure.
"We won't change anything, and I just think it will get better as the week goes on," Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians said of Roethlisberger's knee. "Once the adrenaline kicks in, I would doubt there's anything there."
In addition to Roethlisberger, running back Willie Parker (knee) and defensive ends Aaron Smith (knee) and Travis Kirschke (back) participated fully in practice. The three had missed practice Wednesday because of injuries.
Strong safety Troy Polamalu (calf) did not practice for the second consecutive day.
Two is better than one
They are first and second on the Steelers' depth chart at running back, but perhaps Parker and Mewelde Moore should be listed as No. 1 and No. 1a.
The two split time in the backfield last Sunday, and the arrangement worked well enough that the same approach will likely be taken against the Cowboys.
"You see how the flow of the game's going," Arians said on how the Steelers will use Parker and Moore. "One's got a hot hand, the other one (doesn't), you get your hot hand the ball. I don't care what his number is. He's got a hot hand, he's getting it, and the other guy, at this time of year, you set your ego aside."
The Steelers rushed for 161 yards in their 33-10 win over the Patriots with Parker getting 87 on the ground and Moore adding 67.
B-Mac off the bench?
Bryant McFadden is expected to play this week, but he won't necessarily start at the cornerback spot opposite Ike Taylor.
William Gay has started the past three games at right cornerback, and the second-year man has played well enough, Tomlin said, that the Steelers can ease McFadden back into action.
McFadden has been out since breaking his right forearm on Oct. 19.
"Hopefully we can play both of those guys," Tomlin said. "Both guys have shown they're capable of playing at a high level. That's a good problem to have."
Barber doesn't practice
Cowboys running back Marion Barber (toe) missed practice for a second consecutive game while outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware (knee) participated in drills on a limited basis.
Ware leads the NFL with 15 sacks, while Barber is the Cowboys' leading rusher.
In addition to Barber, cornerback Mike Jenkins (hamstring) and wide receiver Miles Austin (knee) did not practice for Dallas.
Harrison honored
For the second time in three weeks, Steelers outside linebacker James Harrison won GMC Sierra Defensive Player of the Week honors. Harrison had nine tackles, two sacks and two forced fumbles in the Steelers' 33-10 win over the Patriots.
Scott Brown can be reached at sbrown@tribweb.com or 412-481-5432.
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Friday, December 5, 2008
Ben Roethlisberger practiced Thursday, and the Steelers'quarterback is expected to be OK for Sunday's game against the visiting Dallas Cowboys.
"Ben's fine," Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said.
The Steelers had shut down Roethlisberger for the last half hour of practice Wednesday after he slipped while trying to throw a pass. He had his right knee wrapped in ice after practice, but that turned out to be nothing more than a precautionary measure.
"We won't change anything, and I just think it will get better as the week goes on," Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians said of Roethlisberger's knee. "Once the adrenaline kicks in, I would doubt there's anything there."
In addition to Roethlisberger, running back Willie Parker (knee) and defensive ends Aaron Smith (knee) and Travis Kirschke (back) participated fully in practice. The three had missed practice Wednesday because of injuries.
Strong safety Troy Polamalu (calf) did not practice for the second consecutive day.
Two is better than one
They are first and second on the Steelers' depth chart at running back, but perhaps Parker and Mewelde Moore should be listed as No. 1 and No. 1a.
The two split time in the backfield last Sunday, and the arrangement worked well enough that the same approach will likely be taken against the Cowboys.
"You see how the flow of the game's going," Arians said on how the Steelers will use Parker and Moore. "One's got a hot hand, the other one (doesn't), you get your hot hand the ball. I don't care what his number is. He's got a hot hand, he's getting it, and the other guy, at this time of year, you set your ego aside."
The Steelers rushed for 161 yards in their 33-10 win over the Patriots with Parker getting 87 on the ground and Moore adding 67.
B-Mac off the bench?
Bryant McFadden is expected to play this week, but he won't necessarily start at the cornerback spot opposite Ike Taylor.
William Gay has started the past three games at right cornerback, and the second-year man has played well enough, Tomlin said, that the Steelers can ease McFadden back into action.
McFadden has been out since breaking his right forearm on Oct. 19.
"Hopefully we can play both of those guys," Tomlin said. "Both guys have shown they're capable of playing at a high level. That's a good problem to have."
Barber doesn't practice
Cowboys running back Marion Barber (toe) missed practice for a second consecutive game while outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware (knee) participated in drills on a limited basis.
Ware leads the NFL with 15 sacks, while Barber is the Cowboys' leading rusher.
In addition to Barber, cornerback Mike Jenkins (hamstring) and wide receiver Miles Austin (knee) did not practice for Dallas.
Harrison honored
For the second time in three weeks, Steelers outside linebacker James Harrison won GMC Sierra Defensive Player of the Week honors. Harrison had nine tackles, two sacks and two forced fumbles in the Steelers' 33-10 win over the Patriots.
Scott Brown can be reached at sbrown@tribweb.com or 412-481-5432.
