Coach Mike Tomlin would not make it official, preferring to list quarterback Ben Roethlisberger as questionable and safety Troy Polamalu as doubtful for the game tomorrow in Baltimore.

But neither Roethlisberger (ankle) nor Polamalu (knee) practiced with their respective first-team units this week and are not expected to play against the Ravens.

That means veteran Charlie Batch will make his first start at quarterback since the 2006 season opener against the Miami Dolphins, a game Roethlisberger missed because of an emergency appendectomy.

"He is questionable," Tomlin said yesterday after practice, preferring not to elaborate.

Roethlisberger, who sprained his ankle in the 41-24 victory in St. Louis last week, could have played if the game was meaningful for the Steelers. But Tomlin does not want to risk aggravating the injury by playing him against the Ravens.

Roethlisberger and Polamalu are expected to return for the wild-card playoff game next weekend at Heinz Field.

Also, return specialist Allen Rossum (hamstring) missed practice yesterday and might not play against the Ravens. He is listed as questionable.

Special-teams co-captain Clint Kriewaldt (neck) has not practiced all week and has been declared out for the game.

Verron Haynes, signed this week to replace injured Willie Parker on the roster, said he has been staying in shape playing basketball in Atlanta and working out with trainer James "Buddy" Primm, who also trains Dallas Cowboys receiver Terrell Owens.

Haynes, who was waived in the final cut of training camp, said the time off has allowed his surgically repaired knee to recover completely. Haynes will be used as a third-down back behind Carey Davis.

"Now, looking at it, it was probably the best thing for me," said Haynes, a fifth-round draft choice in 2002. "Hindsight is 20-20, of course, but I've had no problems [with the knee]. It's not swelling, and that rest really helped. Everything felt good."

With Parker on injured reserve, rookie free agent Gary Russell will become the backup to Najeh Davenport on first- and second-down situations.

Russell has dressed for only two of 15 games this season and has just one carry since the preseason. But he could get a lot of carries against the Ravens because offensive coordinator Bruce Arians wants to get him some work, in case he is needed

"I think I showed them I'm a young, tough runner ... I'm very physical," said Russell, who was academically ineligible his senior season at Minnesota after rushing for 1,130 yards and 13 touchdowns as a junior.

"Before I even got here, everyone said you have to be ready because you're only one play away. So I just sit back and watch when I'm on the sidelines. It's like a learning experience all the way around."

Rookie outside linebacker Lawrence Timmons will play with a soft cast on his left hand after he broke his thumb against the St. Louis Rams.

Timmons, the team's No. 1 pick, said he sustained the injury when he fell on his hand on special teams.

But he said the cast will not affect his ability to tackle or catch the ball, should the possibility arise for an interception.

"I can still catch it pretty good," Timmons said.