Defensive end Aaron Smith might return to the starting lineup Sunday when the Steelers take on another challenge to their AFC North Division lead.

Smith missed the past two games with a sprained knee.

"Aaron is doing well to the point where we're going to use him some," coach Mike Tomlin said of practice today. "He's going to go at a limited basis, and we'll proceed with caution from there. Aaron has a chance to play this week."

Smith played in 115 consecutive games, including playoffs, before his knee was sprained Oct. 21 in Denver. The Steelers (6-2) play the Cleveland Browns (5-3) Sunday at Heinz Field. They can extend their lead in the AFC North to two games with a victory, which would also give them two against the Browns this season.

Tomlin also issued more optimistic news on starting free safety Ryan Clark, although his status for Sunday remains unclear. Clark was diagnosed with an inflamed spleen after the game in Denver and missed the past two games.

"We'll see as the week goes on, but there have been encouraging reports from him," Tomlin said.

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has a bruised right hip, but he should be ready to play. Roethlisberger could take things a little easy in practice today.

Fullback Dan Kreider, who started his third consecutive game Monday night, has a concussion and "should be fine," according to Tomlin. Backup linebacker Clint Kriewaldt, a key member of the special teams, has a bruised calf and likely will be questionable this week.

Halfback Willie Parker has a slight swelling in a knee that Tomlin does not expect will limit his play against the Browns. Backup tight end Jerame Tuman has a disc problem in his back and is questionable "at best," according to the coach.

Backup linebacker Arnold Harrison "had what can be characterized as a stinger. I think he's going to be fine."

Something for the kids

Cornerback Deshea Townsend will be the host of a fund-raiser to benefit Cribs for Kids, a charity that originated in Pittsburgh through the efforts of SIDS of Pa. The program provides cribs to families who otherwise would not have a safe place for their babies to sleep.

"The Black & Gold Garage Sale" will be from 7-10 p.m. Nov. 19 at Hard Rock Cafe in Station Square. It will feature autographed one-of-a-kind personal items from the Steelers, including such items as a popcorn popper signed by Parker, a tackle box autographed by Brett Keisel and a Steelers fishing rod and a lunch box from Casey "Big Snack" Hampton.

Tickets are available by calling Cribs for Kids at 412-322-5680, Ext. 5. Ticket includes food, beverages and autograph session.

Quick hits

The Steelers became the fifth team in NFL history to win their first four home games by more than 20 points and second in the past two years. The others were the 1920 Buffalo All-Americans, the 1949 Philadelphia Eagles, the 1991 Washington Redskins and the 2006 Chicago Bears. ... Baltimore's Steve McNair completed 13 passes for 63 yards, the fewest yards for that many completions in NFL history. ... No surprise, but linebacker James Harrison is among five nominees for NFL defensive player of the week. ... Tomlin inserted guard Chris Kemoeatu into the game in the fourth quarter for starter Kendall Simmons because "we just wanted to get him in. When I say we're a developing football team, we have to continue to find ways to get guys opportunities to play and perform." ... Even though he gained only 42 yards on 23 carries against Baltimore, Parker continues to lead the AFC with 768 yards rushing.