By Teresa Varley
Steelers.com
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger missed part of practice on Wednesday after he slipped when going back to throw a pass and slightly injured his right knee.
Roethlisberger missed about 20 minutes of practice, but remained out on the field the entire time. He indicated after practice that he did not think that it was serious. Byron Leftwich took all of the snaps once Roethlisberger left practice.
In other injury news, running back Willie Parker (knee, shoulder), safety Troy Polamalu (calf), defensive ends Brett Keisel (knee), Aaron Smith (knee) and Travis Kirschke (back) and tackle Marvel Smith (back) did not practice.
Cornerback Bryant McFadden said he is ready to return to action this Sunday after missing the last six games with a broken forearm.
"I have been rehabbing it and working as best as possible," said McFadden. "I feel like I am healed and ready to go."
McFadden thought he might be back for the Patriots game, but was advised to give it one more week by doctors.
"I took their advice," said McFadden. "That week is over with now. It's time to get ready for the Cowboys."
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Safety Ryan Clark was penalized for a hit on Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker on Sunday, but won't be fined because the hit was actually legal and shouldn't have been a penalty.
Clark's hit reminded people of former Steelers safety Donnie Shell who was nicknamed "Torpedo" because of his hard hits.
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"Right now I am more like one of those things you hit up in the air; badminton," joked Clark of the comparison. "I am more like one of those."
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Defensive tackle Chris Hoke doesn't remember the Steelers victories over the Cowboys in Super Bowl X and Super Bowl XIII, but he still knows that when the two teams play it's something special.
"It is always a big-game when we play each other," said Hoke. "You hear about the games in the 1970's and the battles between the two teams. I think that there is a huge history between these two teams that goes way past any of us in this locker room."
