Steelers

QB Dennis Dixon (3rd QB)
CB Bryant McFadden
CB Deshea Townsend
LB Bruce Davis
T Tony Hills
T Marvel Smith
TE Heath Miller
DE Orpheus Roye

Chargers

QB Charlie Whitehurst (3rd QB)
CB Cletis Gordon
DB Steve Gregory
CB DeJuan Tibble
G Kynan Forney
WR Craig Davis
FB Kris Wilson
DT Ian Scott

The Steelers look to freeze out the San Diego Chargers today in Pittsburgh. The Steelers look to spark the running game with the return of starting running back Willie Parker, who has been sidelined with a shoulder injury. Parker will be wearing a shoulder brace as he recovers from a shoulder subluxation. The offensive line has been vocal about wanting to run the ball more. The Chargers defense has been giving up an average of 103.1 yards a game, but have only allowed 6 rushing touchdowns. The Chargers however are ranked last in passing defense, giving up 264.9 yards a game. The Steelers will have to balance the run to set up the pass. Starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger needs to rebound from a poor Colts game last week and get the ball out quick to avoid pocket pressure and he has to make smarter decisions in the passing game. Rookie wide receiver Limas Sweed looks to get in on four receiver sets after the release of wide receiver Dallas Baker on Saturday.

On defense the Steelers will be sparked by the return of linebacker LaMarr Woodley who sat out last week with a calf injury. Woodley is still not 100%, but should make an impact regardless against an offense that has given up only 12 sacks all season. Chargers wide receiver Chris Chambers is rounding back into shape after an ankle injury and looks to return today against the Steelers. The Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson and tight end Antonio Gates are big play makers and require constant attention from the defense. The Steelers will look to rotate in several defensive backs in a banged up secondary.

The Chargers are 1-5 in their last 6 games on the road and 1-9 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh. The Steelers 5-1 in their last 6 games when playing San Diego. The cold weather will play a factor in this game and should prove to be a lower scoring game.

Predisction: Steelers 20 Chargers 16

On Saturday the Steelers made a surprising roster move. Not surprising was the promotion of rookie cornerback Roy Lewis to their active roster. The Steelers injured secondary made the move necessary. Surprisingly though, to make room on the roster, wide receiver Dallas Baker was released. This might signal the Steelers being more comfortable with rookie wide receiver Limas Sweed as the number four receiver going forward.

The Steelers wrapped up Friday practice preparation for the Chargers by releasing their official injury repor. CB Bryant McFadden (forearm), TE Heath Miller (ankle), T Marvel Smith (back) and CB Deshea Townsend (hamstring) are all listed as out and will not play. McFadden did start practicing on a limited basis on Friday while Miller, Smith and Townsend continue to sit out and receive treatment. RB Gary Russell (quadricep) and LB LaMarr Woodley (calf) both practiced fully on Friday and both are on the injury report as probable and baring set backs should play on Sunday. QB Ben Roethlisberger and RB Willie Parker both practiced fully all week and are ready to play.

The Steelers worked again on practice Thursday without the services of CB Bryant McFadden (forearm), TE Heath Miller (ankle), T Marvel Smith (back) and CB Deshea Townsend (hamstring). Smith is likely now to be listed as out on Friday on the official injury report. RB Gary Russell (quadricep) was limited on Thursday after suffering a quadricep injury. LB LaMarr Woodley (calf) was able to practice fully on Thursday. WR Hines Ward, QB Ben Roethlisberger and RB Willie Parker all practiced fully on Thursday.

The Steelers started official practice preparations on Wednesday for the Sunday game versus the San Diego Chargers. CB Bryant McFadden (forearm), TE Heath Miller (ankle), T Marvel Smith (back), CB Deshea Townsend (hamstring), WR Hines Ward (not injury related) and LB LaMarr Woodley (calf) all did not participate in practice today. QB Ben Roethlisberger and RB Willie Parker practiced fully with the team. Smith, Ward and Woodley are all expected to give it a go on Thursday. McFadden, Miller and Townsend are all expected to be out this week with injuries.

The Steelers re-signed linebacker Donovan Woods back to the practice squad on Wednesday after he cleared waivers. Woods has bounced up and down most of the season between the active roster and the practice squad.

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Audio from Steeler HC Mike Tomlin Tuesday Nov 11th Press Conference

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.

Steelers signed 10-year veteran cornerback Fernando Bryant to a one-year contract. Bryant has made 109 starts in 110 games played during nine NFL seasons. He has recorded 509 tackles (435 solo), seven interceptions, defended 88 passes and recovered seven fumbles. The Steelers made room on their roster for Bryant by releasing rookie linebacker Donovan Woods, and subsequently signing him to the team’s practice squad. The Steelers also added rookie safety Ryan Mundy to their practice squad and released safety Grant Mason in order to make room for Mundy.