Backup quarterback Charlie Batch is having his best camp since coming to the Steelers, said coach Bill Cowher. And he will get another chance to prove it when he is expected to start for Ben Roethlisberger in the final preseason game tonight against the Carolina Panthers at Heinz Field.

For Batch, it will be another opportunity to work with members of the first-team offense, even though starters such as running back Willie Parker and wide receiver Cedrick Wilson are not expected to play, either.

Batch started two games for the Steelers during the 2005 regular season, going 2-0 in victories in Green Bay and against the Cleveland Browns.

"I feel comfortable with him," said Cowher. "It was good last year to get him in there and let him lead this team for those couple games. To get the win up in Green Bay was big at that time of the year."

After his 2004 season ended the second week of training camp because of knee surgery, Batch said he is more comfortable this year because he doesn't have to worry about the health of his knee like he did last year in training camp.

Batch has completed 21 of 33 passes for 202 yards with one touchdown and one interception in the preseason. His passer rating is 78.1, slightly ahead of Roethlisberger (76.1). His 23-yard touchdown pass in the loss at Philadelphia last week was a thing of beauty -- a quick strike on a slant to Wilson with a blitzing defender in his face.

"I feel completely different," said Batch, who played at Steel Valley High School. "Last year, they told me once you get past the double days and get out of camp, the swelling will go down. I'm like, first of all, I got to get through camp.

"This year, I didn't know what was expected because of what was going on with Ben. I was anticipating more reps and I didn't have any swelling at all. It wasn't much of a concern this year like last year."

Injury updates

Four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Hines Ward (hamstring) has not played the entire preseason, but he said he will be ready for the season opener.

Ward and offensive right tackle Max Starks (knee) are the injured starters who will not play against the Panthers. Starks will be replaced by Trai Essex, who is the backup left tackle.

Roethlisberger was asked how long it will take him to develop timing with his top receiver.

"Hines and I will be off about the first day," Roethlisberger said. "And by the second day, we'll be back on the same page."

Can't silence him

Pro Bowl linebacker Joey Porter has practiced the past two days after having tonsilitis and could play tonight, although he could be one of the starters who will remain on the bench against the Panthers.

Porter said he gets tonsilitis twice a year, but it doesn't affect one of the most important elements of his game -- yapping and trash-talking.

"Oh no," Porter said.

From cover to cover

Porter and Pro Bowl safety Troy Polamalu are on the cover of two national magazines this week. Porter graces the front of Sports Illustrated as "The Most Feared Player in the NFL." Polamalu is on the cover of The Sporting News with the caption, "Hitman With a Heart."

Super Bowl trophy display

The Steelers' Super Bowl XL Vince Lombardi Trophy will be on display over the Labor Day weekend at the entrance to the John Heinz Pittsburgh Regional History Center. The display begins tomorrow and will continue through Monday.