Center Justin Hartwig, who had not practiced with the first-team offense since training camp began Aug. 1 because of a fractured right toe, returned to practice today along with two-time Pro Bowl running back Willie Parker.

Hartwig had been working solely on a limited basis in camp at St. Vincent College, taking part in some individual drills. But he began working with the first-team offense this afternoon because he was told practice would not cause further injury to his big toe.

"I'm really excited about that," Hartwig said. "I think it's healed enough where it's not going to get any worse. It's just a matter of dealing with pain until it's completely healed. I'm encouraged and I'm excited."

Parker did not practice several days last week and did not play in Thursday night's preseason victory against the Arizona Cardinals because of back spasms. But he worked with the first-team offense today and Coach Mike Tomlin said he will play, along with Hartwig, in next Saturday's preseason game against the Washington Redskins.