National Football League commissioner Roger Goodell is expected to meet with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger today when he visits training camp, but it is not known if he will use the occasion to alter Roethlisberger's six-game suspension.

Coach Mike Tomlin said that Goodell will meet with him and Roethlisberger, who will begin serving a suspension for violating the league's personal- conduct policy when the preseason is over.

Goodell has said he will consider reducing the suspension to four games if Roethlisberger meets all the requirements of his punishment and exhibits good behavior.

"I assume I will, but it's not scheduled that I know of," Roethlisberger said Wednesday during lunch. "It could be a last-minute thing. I'm not really sure."

Asked what he will say to Goodell, Roethlisberger said: "I think he does know some of the things I want him to know. I have done everything he has asked, and I've tried to go above and beyond."

During a visit to the Baltimore Ravens training camp Wednesday, Goodell said of Roethlisberger: "He is doing what he's been asked to do -- and, frankly, more."

Then he added: "[Roethlisberger] understands the seriousness of this and the fact he has to change the way he's doing things. I'm encouraged by that."

Told after practice of Goodell's comment, Roethlisberger said, "That's positive and encouraging."

Goodell is making a tour of NFL training camps and his stop at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe coincides, not surprisingly, with a three-day visit by Dan Rooney, the team's chairman emeritus and U.S. ambassador to Ireland. Goodell is scheduled to meet with the media at 10:30 a.m. today on the practice field.

Rooney will travel to Canton, Ohio, Friday to see defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau's induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Running back Rashard Mendenhall returned to participate in team drills for the first time since having his toe stepped on during Monday's practice.

But nose tackle Casey Hampton (hamstring), rookie outside linebacker Jason Worilds (hamstring), running back Frank Summers (concussion) and rookie running back Jonathan Dwyer (hamstring) did not practice again. Tomlin said all the players with hamstring injuries are beginning to run and should return soon.

Two players could not finish practice because they were overcame with the heat on a muggy day -- defensive tackle Scott Paxson and newly acquired fullback Dwayne Wright.

Since he has been with the team, backup quarterback Dennis Dixon never has been utilized in any type of Wildcat or trick-play formation to take advantage of the diverse talents he displayed in college at Oregon.

But he keeps hoping things will change.

"Their past history, they're known for that, having a wrinkle here and there," Dixon said. "Having [Antwaan] Randle El back, there's no telling what Bruce Arians has under his sleeve. But if my number is called, I want to be able to perform."

Tomlin canceled morning practice, meaning the team will practice twice today. ... The 3 p.m. afternoon session is open to the public. The Steelers will practice at 7 p.m. Friday at Memorial Stadium in Latrobe.

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