Other than reveal that two of his more important 30-year-olds, wide receiver Hines Ward and cornerback Deshea Townsend, will not play tomorrow night in Philadelphia because of injuries, coach Bill Cowher was chock full of news and insights during what could be his final news conference ever from Saint Vincent College yesterday.

The highlights:

Willie Parker will stay in the game when the Steelers near the goal line, at least to start the season. There will be no Jerome Bettis-like role this season unless somehow Verron Haynes or Duce Staley prove they can fill it. So far, they have not done that.

"If somebody starts to surface and becomes that guy, as the season goes on I wouldn't rule it out," Cowher said. "But I can't say right now there's been one person like there was with Jerome. And I don't think that's a bad thing. That's the way it was last year. This year's a different year."

There is no trade in the works -- nor in their plans -- to send Staley back to the Eagles. Cowher did not say that, but Kevin Colbert, the Steelers' director of football operations, said no one in the organization has had any talks with the Eagles about Staley.

Although Staley started off camp sluggishly and not in football shape, Cowher said he's getting there.

"I think Duce is working himself back into running shape," Cowher said.

The team is in good enough shape under the salary cap that Cowher said he does not have to consider that when he makes his cuts -- the first come Tuesday and the second and final cutdown to 53 occurs Sept. 2. That's good news for punter Chris Gardocki, who's scheduled to earn a salary of $1,088,750. There has been talk that Mike Barr, in his third training camp with the Steelers, could win the job because he's younger and cheaper.

But Gardocki, a 16-year veteran, never has had a punt officially blocked in the pros and reading between Cowher's comments yesterday, the coach seems content to stick with his sure-footed veteran.

"Chris Gardocki is still a very solid player in all the things he does," Cowher said. "He's an outstanding holder for Jeff Reed. He's a consummate pro. I have a lot of respect for that man. You know he'll be there. It doesn't just come down to how a guy punts in the preseason."

Cowher will consider going with two quarterbacks, Ben Roethlisberger and Charlie Batch, on the 53-man roster, with a third on the practice squad.

It's Tyrone Carter's turn to start at free safety, but Cowher still has not ruled on whether he or Ryan Clark has won the job, and won't say who's ahead. Rookie Anthony Smith is not in the mix to start. Carter and Clark have rotated with the first team in practices and preseason games. "I'm not ready to name a starter at this point," Cowher said. "It's working out ... As soon as we make a definitive decision we'll let you know."

The first teams will play most extensively in the third preseason game tomorrow in Philadelphia. That means up to a full half but no more. Certain starters such as quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and halfback Willie Parker may bow out earlier than others.

"There are a lot of different combinations we'll look at, but, again, it's pretty much those units looking for some consistency of play and more efficiency on both sides of the ball. That's hopefully what we're getting to at this point."

Among those combinations will be moving right guard Kendall Simmons to center with the first line.

Wide receiver Cedrick Wilson, cited as the state of Tennessee's best high school quarterback in 1996, could fill Antwaan Randle El's role throwing the occasional pass.

Legends meet

Pittsburgh pro wrestling legend Bruno Sammartino met Pittsburgh pro coaching legend Bill Cowher on the field after practice.

Someone wondered what position Sammartino might have played had he opted for football.

"If Dan Kreider goes down, this is my fullback," Cowher said. "Bruno would not want to run with the ball; he'd rather block."

Sammartino thanked Cowher for last season.

"I never miss a game. Never. I go back to the old country [Italy], but I never go back during the season."

Quick hits

Tight end Jerame Tuman (hamstring) will miss his second consecutive game. ... Offensive tackle Ulish Booker, who spent the second half of last season on the Steelers' practice squad, sustained a torn ACL in practice Monday and will be placed on injured reserve, ending his season. ... Center Chukky Okobi (neck surgery) may resume full practices next week. ... Wide receiver Isaac West (knee) also will miss the game tomorrow.