The Steelers are losing players at an alarming rate, some for longer than others.

One week after they lost Pro Bowl running back Willie Parker for the season, left tackle Marvel Smith had back surgery yesterday and may not play again this season.

Also, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger did not practice for the second day in a row because of a sprained ankle and is not expected to play in the regular-season finale Sunday at Baltimore.

The injury to Roethlisberger is not serious, and he will play in a wild-card round playoff game next weekend at Heinz Field.

Roethlisberger was injured in the 41-24 victory in St. Louis, and the Steelers do not want to aggravate the injury by playing him against the Ravens. He will be replaced as the starter by veteran Charlie Batch, who has attempted five passes this season.

Smith, a seven-year starter, will not play against the Ravens and will also miss the Steelers' wild-card round playoff game. The Steelers, however, are cautiously optimistic he could return if they make it to the second round of the AFC playoffs.

Smith will be replaced by Max Starks, the former starter at right tackle who will make his fourth start at left tackle Sunday in Baltimore.

"I guess I'll have to make sure he's able to come back," Starks said. "It's one of those challenges that comes with the job. As long as they keep calling me, I'll do what I have to do."

Safety Troy Polamalu (inflamed knee) did not practice, and it is unlikely he will play against the Ravens. Linebacker James Harrison (groin) was limited in practice and also could be rested in Baltimore.

The Steelers' 2008 schedule should be significantly more difficult than this season, with at least six games -- and perhaps as many as eight -- against playoff teams. That includes the top seeds from the AFC and NFC conferences -- New England and Dallas.

In addition, the Steelers will play the Indianapolis Colts, San Diego Chargers, Jacksonville Jaguars and New York Giants next season. The Tennessee Titans and Washington Redskins, teams who could clinch a wild-card spot with a victory Sunday, are also on the schedule.

The Steelers will play the Cowboys, Colts, Chargers, Giants and Houston Texans at home, in addition to division teams Cleveland, Cincinnati and Baltimore.

They will play the Patriots, Jaguars, Titans, Redskins and Philadelphia Eagles on the road, in addition to their division opponents.

This year, the Steelers had the easiest September schedule in the league and played only three 2006 playoff teams -- the Patriots, Seahawks and Jets -- outside their division.

After throwing three touchdowns and posting a perfect passer rating against the Rams, Roethlisberger was named as the AFC Offensive Player of the Week, the NFL announced.

Roethlisberger, who is headed to the Pro Bowl, completed 16 of 20 passes for 261 yards and no interceptions against the Rams. He had a perfect rating of 158.3 for the second time this season and third in his career.