Peter Diana, Post-Gazette Offensive guard Cameron Stephenson battles Nick Eason (front) in the afternoon workout yesterday at Saint Vincent College. Click photo for larger image.

Mike Tomlin made two more moves this week to his starting lineup, although he said he's far from declaring winners in either competition.

Bryant McFadden replaced veteran incumbent Deshea Townsend at right cornerback, and wide receiver Santonio Holmes, for the first time this summer, moved ahead of Cedrick Wilson at split end.

"We're still shopping, if you will," Tomlin said. "We want to see what guys do when they get an opportunity to play their game in there with the first group. It's part of the evaluation process."

It's likely McFadden and Holmes will start Saturday night against the Redskins.

More updates

Other updates from the only practice held yesterday, in the afternoon:

Rookie Lawrence Timmons ran with the second team at right outside linebacker, the first time he has done such drills since his groin was reinjured July 27. And ahead of him, James Harrison went through a full practice.

"Lawrence Timmons took more reps today," Tomlin said. "We'll take a look at that tape and see where he is and decide where we go from that. James Harrison appears to be 100 percent, he's out here getting after folks."

Backup running back Najeh Davenport was removed from practice about one-third of the way through because of discomfort in a foot.

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was given a scheduled light day with little throwing, the same as last week. Tomlin said he'll probably do the same for backup Charlie Batch today.

With starter Marvel Smith still out, Max Starks continued to run with the first offense at left tackle.

"We're experimenting there with him as a possibility of being a left tackle," Tomlin said. "Whether he succeeds or fails -- of course based on his play -- he's primarily a right tackle. We just take a look at some options. Position flexibility is a big part of what we do."

Trai Essex ran at left tackle with the second team.

Safety Anthony Smith (abdomen) remained out of practice, as did Chukky Okobi (ribs), although he did some light snapping in 7 on 7. Nose tackle Chris Hoke (knee) and defensive lineman Derrick Jones (knee) also remained out.

Movie with a twist

Yesterday was movie day at training camp, but nothing like in previous years. Tomlin gave the players the morning off -- there was a 90-minute practice scheduled -- and he set up times with a theatre to see a movie.

The players had an option. They could go to the movie, sleep in, or do whatever else they wanted.

"I think most guys stayed in their room and slept," defensive end Brett Keisel said.

They had a handful of movie choices, including "The Bourne Ultimatum," "Rush Hour 3" and "The Simpsons Movie."

Tomlin did not attend.

"I have too much work to do. I don't have time to go to the movies. I guess going to the movies is tradition around here. I'm not too much into tradition," he said

Former coach Bill Cowher had a routine at training camp in which he would act like a regular morning practice were going to be held and once the players were on the field and stretching, he would announce it was movie day. He even made his coordinators spend the hour or so it takes to work out a practice plan the night before and not tell them about it.

Tomlin let everybody know there would be no practice and they could sleep in, go to the movies or hit some golf balls.

Breaking camp

It all ends for the Steelers tomorrow at Saint Vincent College, but their last real practice takes place this afternoon from 2:55 to 5 p.m.

After tomorrow, when they pack and leave for good, no more curfews or bed checks except for the night before a game.

"Just to get back into the regular routine, get back to see my wife every day, being at home and get ready for the grind of the season," Keisel said of why he's happy to see camp end. "It's nice because we're starting to see that this thing is coming to an end, so I think everyone's excited to get back home."

Interesting debate

It's an argument that never will be settled but a heated one nevertheless: How many yards would Willie Parker gain against the Steelers' defense in a game.

The only way to find out would be to trade Parker or hold a full-fledged scrimmage. Neither will happen.

"We were talking about that the other day," Keisel said. "He said he could easily get 100 yards on us. We got into a bit of an argument with it. But Willie's a great player and a Pro Bowl player and we're lucky to have him on our side."

Stop patronizing, Keisel; how many yards would he get?

"Would he get 100 against us?" Keisel said, repeating the question. "Not even close. He wouldn't get close. He would get maybe 15 -- on 15 carries."