The president of the pro football athletic trainers society expressed surprise yesterday that any NFL coach would rudely chase off a trainer offering aid to a seriously injured player on a football field.

"It's a common courtesy for the home team," said Steve Antonopulous, the trainer for the Denver Broncos who heads the NFL group.

Steelers trainer John Norwig came onto the field to offer his help Sunday when Patriots tackle Matt Light was seriously injured in the second quarter at Heinz Field. New England coach Bill Belichick went up to Norwig and rudely told him to leave, using a profanity.

"I really don't know the full extent of everything," Antonopulous said, "but I'm surprised if it occurred to any of our athletic trainers in our organization."

Antonopulous said the home trainer meets with the visiting trainer before games to determine logistics and other matters -- where the X-ray room is, where the paramedics are located on the field, ambulances, etc.

"If a player goes down on the field and is there for a little bit or has a recognizable serious injury, the home trainer will go to that area of the field to offer his assistance," Antonopulous said. "That's a common courtesy. That's something each of us does. It helps the situation as it is on the field to expedite the medical care of the individual -- expedites getting the cart on the field, paramedics if needed, if they need to be transported off the field."

Antonopulous said he has been in the business for 30 years and never experienced anything like Norwig faced from Belichick.

"No, sir, it's actually opposite of that," he said, noting the opposing coach appreciates the medical aid.

Quick outs

Cornerback Ike Taylor leads the Steelers with 23 solo tackles, 30 overall. ... Linebacker Clark Haggans has three sacks, half of what he had last season. Haggans also has three forced fumbles, matching his total from the past two seasons combined. ... The Steelers' defense has more sacks per passing play of any NFL team. Their 14 sacks after three games are 34 percent of their total of 41 from 2004. ... The Steelers return to practice today after having the past two days off. They practice tomorrow and have off Friday, Saturday, Sunday and, perhaps, Monday. ... Willie Parker leads Edgerrin James of the Colts by 3 yards for the AFC rushing lead with 327. ... The Steelers' offense ranks first in the NFL in yards per play, 6.7.