The Ravens always will have a place in Ben Roethlisberger's heart, because it was in Baltimore in the second game of last season that the quarterback made his NFL debut.

Peter Diana, Post-Gazette Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger celebrates with Steelers fans after beating the Bengals, 27-13, Sunday at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati.

"I don't remember [much], probably trying not to get hurt or throw an interception or something," Roethlisberger said. "It was tough because you're going against Ray Lewis, a guy known for talking trash and just being a great defensive player. I think I was so confused, I didn't know what was going on."

Roethlisberger entered the game in the third quarter when Tommy Maddox's right elbow was injured. He completed 12 of 20 passes for 176 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions in the Steelers' 30-13 loss. He went on to win the rest of his starts in the regular season to go 13-0.

Monday night, he won't have to worry about Lewis, out with a thigh injury, or injured safety Ed Reed, the NFL's defensive player of the year in 2004.

"Any time you're missing the defensive player of the year and Ray Lewis, you're probably not at your strength," Roethlisberger said. "But we know they're going to be tough regardless."

Stewart returns

Quarterback Kordell Stewart returns to Heinz Field for a second time with Baltimore since the Steelers cut their ties with him after the 2002 season. He did not play for the Ravens here last year, and former teammate Hines Ward hopes he does not play again Monday.

"I just hope he doesn't come out and give them a spark, come out and eat us up," Ward said.

"I'm friends with Kordell, I always wish him much success down there in Baltimore, wherever he's at, just not against us."

Stewart backs up Anthony Wright, the Steelers' third-team quarterback in 1999 when Stewart was the starter here. During Ward's two-week holdout at the start of training camp, he caught passes from Stewart in Atlanta and said reports that he has lost arm strength are not true.

"His arm looked fine to me, he was hurting my hand, every time he was throwing it," Ward said. "People are always going to say stuff, but Kordell's a great guy. I had a lot of success with Kordell. He was the quarterback here and led us to 13 wins [in 2001].

"I know he's looking forward to it. If the opportunity presents itself for him to get into the game, I'm sure he'll be up for it and looking forward to getting hit by Joey [Porter] and those guys.

"It would be interesting to see what happens if he got in."

Throwing in the flag

Safety Russell Stuvaints worked out for the Dallas Cowboys and the New England Patriots after the Steelers released him Sept. 3.

He finally went to play football in his hometown of McKeesport for "Team Chavis" in a flag football league.

Stuvaints left flag football to re-sign with the Steelers Tuesday, and he will devote his time to one position.

He played quarterback, receiver, safety and cornerback for Team Chavis.

"It was just for fun," said Stuvaints, who played for the Steelers in 2003 and 2004.

Injury report

The Steelers' injury report went unchanged from what Bill Cowher announced Tuesday. Baltimore's injury report: Out -- Linebacker Ray Lewis (thigh), safety Ed Reed (ankle), fullback Alan Ricard (leg). Doubtful -- Quarterback Kyle Boller (toe). Questionable -- Wide receiver Mark Clayton (ankle), fullback Ovie Mughelli (ankle), defensive end Anthony Weaver (toe).

Quick slants

Tight end Matt Kranchick, released by the Steelers Tuesday, was signed to their practice squad yesterday. They released former Pitt quarterback Rod Rutherford from their practice squad to make room for him. ... While the Steelers resumed practice for the Monday night game, the Ravens had the day off.