The Steelers began practice preparations on Wednesday for the week 3 game versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Sunday in Tampa. QB Dennis Dixon (knee) had left knee meniscus surgery this morning and early reports are he will be out 6 weeks. This could mean the end of the season for him as he will likely be placed on injured reserve if indeed the report holds true. G Trai Essex (ankle) did not practice Wednesday and is real iffy to work at all this week. NT Casey Hampton (hamstring) and T Max Starks (ankle) both practiced fully today as they look to return this week to the lineup after sitting out last week against the Titans. QB Byron Leftwich practiced today and is not listed on the injury report.
For the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Wednesday, C Jeff Faine (calf) and LB Niko Koutouvides (ankle) did not participate at all in practice. RB Cadillac Williams (hamstring) was limited during practice. QB Josh Freeman (thumb), RB Kareem Huggins (groin), and TE Kellen Winslow (knee) all practiced fully.
