STEELERS

But the veteran running back will have a tough test against Baltimore.
PITTSBURGH (AP) -- He's heard the stories and watched the tapes, but Duce Staley's not about to pretend he knows what he'll run up against on Sunday.
"You can never sense it until you get to the game, the lights are on and you're getting ready for the kickoff," Staley said. "I can sit here and listen to what the coaches are saying and what the players are saying, but until I'm in that hostile environment, that's when I can react and see what's really going on."
Last Sunday, Staley rushed for 91 yards on 24 carries against the Oakland Raiders, the most by a Steelers' running back on an opening day since Barry Foster rushed for 107 yards on 26 carries in Coach Bill Cowher's first game in 1992.
Staley came to the Steelers because of their run-first philosophy under Cowher. Since Cowher took over, the Steelers have led the NFL in rushing three times.
Run-first philosophy
Staley got a taste of that philosophy in the preseason opener when he was given the ball nine times on the Steelers' first possession. Only twice in the last regular season did Staley have more carries during entire games.
"I didn't think they were going to do it but they fooled me. ... you have to understand where I'm coming from. Coming from Philly, I'm thinking, 'Hey, I heard this before.' But we came out running, and 11 plays later we were still running the ball," Staley said.
Their commitment to the run will be tested Sunday against Ray Lewis and the Baltimore Ravens, who are 10th in the league in rushing after holding the Cleveland Browns to 85 yards and one touchdown in a 20-3 loss. The Ravens had the sixth-best rushing defense in the league last year, allowing only six rushing touchdowns in the regular season.
"I've played against him in the preseason," Staley said of Lewis. "He's a good player. Fast. Smart. Reacts fast. He's definitely a true warrior."
During Staley's seven-year stay with the Philadelphia Eagles, the team's chief rival was the Dallas Cowboys, and Staley had the best game of his career against the Cowboys in 2000 when he rushed for 201 yards.
Notes
Rookie quarterback Ben Roethlisberger returned to the Steelers sideline after sustaining a bone contusion on his right knee during Wednesday's practice. He's listed as probable for Sunday's game. Cornerback Chad Scott (groin) didn't practice for a second consecutive day and was downgraded from probable to questionable. Inside linebacker Kendrell Bell (groin) also missed a second practice this week. He's questionable for the game.