STEELERS Stewart frustrated with scout team duties

But the backup quarterback wouldn't criticize coach Bill Cowher's decision.
PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Kordell Stewart played the role of Michael Vick as the Pittsburgh Steelers began preparing for the Atlanta Falcons. He would much rather go back to being Kordell Stewart.
Relegated to the insignificant duties as scout team quarterback only a season after leading the Steelers to a 13-3 record and making the Pro Bowl, Stewart is clearly hurt and frustrated with his latest benching.
Speaking out for the first time since coach Bill Cowher yanked him for Tommy Maddox six weeks ago, Stewart said Wednesday he will be a starting quarterback again in the NFL, not just a guy who plays another team's starter in practice.
But he wouldn't criticize Cowher's abrupt decision, saying doing so would only distract from how well Maddox and the division-leading Steelers are playing.
"I can't control what other people do," Stewart said. "I've proven myself time and time again, so to express myself and explain myself again, what would that benefit?
"If this is the direction they want to go, fine, so be it, but everybody else knows, and this organization knows, what I can do."
Cloudy future
Stewart hasn't written off this season or his seven-year career with the Steelers, but realizes they won't keep him and his $6.3 million salary after this season to be a backup.
So, even if they cut him or trade him, he said, "It's no sweat off my back, I'll be ready to move on."
Stewart also was benched in 1999 and 2000, but this demotion was the least expected because it came so early, and after so successful a season.
Maddox replaced Stewart in the fourth quarter Sept. 29 against Cleveland to rally the Steelers to a 16-13 overtime victory and prevent an 0-3 start. With Maddox throwing at least two touchdown passes in all but one game since, the Steelers (5-3) have won five of six to open a comfortable lead in the AFC North.
With Maddox playing so well, Stewart knows he would be out of line to lobby to play again. That's why being benched for Mike Tomczak in 1999 and, briefly, for Kent Graham in 2000 prepared him to handle his latest career setback.
"The first time, it hurts. You say, 'Dang, what happened?' " Stewart said. "The second time, you're kind of mad, like, 'Why is this happening again?' The third time, you become immune to it. You say, 'What the hell?' "
He has paid little attention to the favorable fan reaction to Maddox's promotion, perhaps because he has had such an up-and-down relationship with the public.
"I really don't give a damn right now, to the point where it really doesn't matter how people feel or what they think," Stewart said. "I know I can play this game. I didn't go to the Pro Bowl because I'm a good looking guy. If people want to be supportive, that's cool ... I have to worry about me and take care of me."