New father Troy Polamalu will resume his duties as a football player Monday night after his wife gave birth to their first child on Friday.

Polamalu, the Steelers' four-time Pro Bowl free safety, missed practice Friday and today to be with his wife, Theodora. The couple had a son.

Today, Willie Parker went through another practice and should make his first appearance at halfback Monday night in more than a month. He has not played since Sept. 21, when his left knee was sprained.

Guard Chris Kemoeatu returned to practice after missing Friday with a sprained ankle. However, offensive tackle Marvel Smith again missed practice because of back problems, and Max Starks will make his third consecutive start on the left side for him.

Mitch Berger will return to punt Monday night, his two hamstrings healed sufficiently. The Steelers today released Ricky Schmitt, a punter signed early in the week, from their practice squad. Linebacker Donovan Woods, released last week from the 53-man roster, was signed to the practice squad today.