By Teresa Varley
Steelers.com
Wide receiver Dallas Baker is out for Sunday's game against the Bengals with a shoulder injury, meaning second-round pick Limas Sweed will be active for his first game of the season.
"He's come a long way," said quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. "It's hard because he doesn't get a lot of work in practice with me because I've got to work with the other guys. He's come a long way and he's really stepped up and I'm sure if he gets a chance, he'll do just great."
The NFL just completed their fall owners' meetings and the hot topic was the potential of the league's regular season expanding to 17 or 18 games.
There have been proposals to add one or two games to the regular season schedule and cut the preseason back by that same number.
Steelers chairman Dan Rooney would be behind a proposal to add one game, but not two.
"I am willing to compromise and consider 17 games, not 18," said Rooney.
The league currently plays 16 regular season games and four preseason games.
The NFL competition and finance committees are among those exploring the potential of expanding the regular season and a vote could take place during this season or at the annual owners' meetings in March.
Roethlisberger will return to his home state to play on Sunday and it's something that the Findlay, Ohio native definitely enjoys.
"I love to go back there and play, just because growing up there were so many Browns and Bengals fans," said Roethlisberger. "You grow up around die-hard Browns fans and Bengals fans. You just know that on Sundays, everyone's watching games. That's how you know it's important. It feels good winning there."
Running back Willie Parker did not practice on Wednesday and was joined on the sidelines by nose tackle Casey Hampton and offensive tackle Marvel Smith. If Smith can't go on Sunday Max Starks would get the start in his spot.
