Grass doesn't grow on a busy street, and it doesn't grow in late November either. But a new layer of sod is ready to be applied to Heinz Field after the four WPIAL championship games today.

Crews and truckloads of sod have made their way from Tuckahoe Turf Farms, a family-owned business in Hammonton, N.J. Re-sodding with the Kentucky bluegrass hybrid should begin Sunday and will be completed in plenty of time for its first test -- the West Virginia-Pitt game the day after Thanksgiving. The Steelers won't need it until their Dec. 7 game against the Cowboys.

Tuckahoe Farms replaced the turf last year, but the paint wasn't dry before torrential rains began. By the time a Monday night game commenced after a lightning delay, the new sod was saturated to the point that a Miami punt burrowed into the spongy mess like a wayward nose cone.

It was the worst possible scenario, but the weather is supposed to be better this time around.

Heinz Field gets more wear and tear than any other NFL Stadium. The Pitt Panthers play their home games there, and the WPIAL championship games are an annual event.

"We're so appreciative of the Steelers," said Tim O'Malley, executive director of the WPIAL. "If we couldn't play at Heinz Field, it would have a very negative event on our football championships. We thank them for their consideration in providing the opportunity for us to play."

Tight end Heath Miller made an immediate impact after returning from a high ankle sprain. He caught four passes for 44 yards, including the first Steelers touchdown on a 3-yard reception.

"It was great to have him back," said coach Mike Tomlin. "Everybody is aware of what he provides in the running game and in the passing game. He is just a quiet leader for us. It was just good to look around and see his face in the huddle."

For his part, Miller said there were no ill effects.

"It felt good. As far as I'm concerned, it's a thing of the past, and I'm moving forward."

Gary Russell, who was an undrafted free agent out of Minnesota in 2007, made several significant contributions in Thursday's win. He returned a kickoff 43 yards, he converted on fourth down with an extra effort surge to set up the first touchdown and he scored his first touchdown as a pro with a 2-yard run late in the third quarter to cap a 64-yard drive.

"He is showing us that he is capable of being a splash-play kickoff return man. He is doing his job in short yardage, and he was able to get into the end zone for the first time in his career. He's having fun. It's good for him and it's good for us," Tomlin said.