Safety Troy Polamalu and nose tackle Casey Hampton, the Steelers' two defensive Pro Bowl players who left Sunday's game in Arizona with injuries, will return to play against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday at Heinz Field.

"We expect both those guys to be OK," coach Mike Tomlin said yesterday.

Polamalu left the game with a strained abdomen and Hampton left with a hamsting injury.

Tomlin said the only effect is they may be limited in some practices this week.

There also was better news on Hines Ward's knee sprain, which caused him to miss only his fourth game in 10 years.

"He had a good day of rehab yesterday," Tomlin said. "I spoke with him, he feels good, but we will take that day to day and see where he is. We'll do what is smart in that area. That decision will be determined later in the week."

One player who will not be back is cornerback Bryant McFadden, and it may be some time before he does return. McFadden has a high ankle sprain, an injury that typically keeps a player out a month or so, although Tomlin called him "doubtful" for Sunday's game.

McFadden, the team's No. 3 cornerback, likely will be replaced by rookie William Gay, although fourth-year veteran Ricardo Colclough remains a possibility.

Chris Hoke, Hampton's backup, also will play this week. He left late in Sunday's game with an ankle injury.

Previously unreported minor injuries to starters might cause them to miss some practice, but they are expected to play Sunday. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has a bruised foot that was stepped on, linebacker James Harrison has a bruised knee and cornerback Deshea Townsend had a stinger that knocked him temporarily out of the game in Arizona.

Also, rookie Matt Spaeth, who caught two touchdown passes before he missed the past two games with a bruised thigh, will return to action.