Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said on Tuesday during his weekly press conference that starting running back Willie Parker is being evaluated closely with his shoulder subluxation injury suffered against the Redskins and is scheduled to practice on Wednesday. Parker is currently listed as day-to-day and will be fitted with a shoulder harness. Tackle Marvel Smith had a favorable work out this morning and may work this week as he recovers from his back injury. Tomlin stated that Smith has to knock off the rust quickly to be able to start if he is healthy. Staring tight end Heath Miller is still suffering from a high ankle sprain and will be listed as questionable at best, but in all likelihood is still another week away from playing. Cornerbacks Bryant McFadden will be out again with a broken bone in his arm and Deshea Townsend will miss the Chargers game with a hamstring injury. Veteran cornerback Fernando Bryant has been signed to provide depth. He and defensive back Anthony Madison will compete this week for the nickel corner spot. Starting linebacker LaMarr Woodley also worked out on Tuesday and hopefully will practice this week at the latest on Thursday.
Starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will have treatment today and hopefully should practice this week and even as soon as Wednesday. If Roethlisberger can not get enough reps this week, backup Byron Leftwich could get the start.
Tomlin stated that backup running back Gary Russell may continue with the kickoff return duties.
Tomlin commented that he has final say on all play calling when asked about the goal line play calling that resulted in a field goal late in the Colts game.
