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Wednesday, November 06, 2002

By Ed Bouchette, Post-Gazette Sports Writer

Steelers vs. Atlanta Falcons, 1 p.m. Sunday, Heinz Field. TV: WPGH, WWCP. Radio: WBGG-AM (970), WDVE-FM (102.5), Steelers Radio Network.

RB Jerome Bettis and C Jeff Hartings, who missed the past two games with left knee injuries, might play against the Falcons. Hartings is listed as probable and would replace two-game starter Chukky Okobi as long as he has no setbacks in practices. Bettis is listed as questionable, and Coach Bill Cowher wants to see how he responds throughout the week. Cowher said Bettis plans to practice today. Cowher said, however, that he is inclined to stick with Amos Zereoue as the starting halfback this week unless Bettis has a good week of practice.

The Steelers injury report: RB Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala (torn chest muscle) is out; Bettis, S Mike Logan (hamstring) are questionable; Hartings, WR Plaxico Burress (ankle), TE Jerame Tuman (quadriceps), Okobi (hip) are probable.

Kordell Stewart's job will change this week, but he won't return to his role as Slash or that of starting quarterback. Stewart, who lost his starting job Oct. 6 to Tommy Maddox, will play the role of Atlanta QB Michael Vick for the "show" or scout team in practice this week, as will Charlie Batch. Since his demotion to the second team, Stewart has taken snaps with the offense in practice, but Batch normally takes the snaps with the scout team. Because Stewart can best impersonate Vick's mobility and style of play, Cowher wants to use him to help his defense prepare for the Falcons' quarterback.

"We don't tackle the quarterback, but we are going to have the quarterbacks simulate moving around the pocket and in and out, people staying with people in coverage," Cowher said. "The practices may be a little longer because these plays may take a little longer. Not to overdo the whole thing, they still have more elements than Michael Vick that you have to be aware of. He is the key element, but [Warrick] Dunn and [T.J.] Duckett are two pretty good running backs that can present some problems. So, this is going to be a good test against our run defense and our ability to stay disciplined in the secondary."

Cowher disputed an ESPN report that the Steelers planned to use Stewart in a Slash role again. "No," he answered emphatically. "Don't believe everything you hear."

Cowher did not put to rest a theory making the rounds that the Browns purposely put 12 men on defense Sunday to rough up QB Tommy Maddox. DE Courtney Brown came in untouched and sacked Maddox for an 8-yard loss on the game's sixth play. The Browns were penalized 5 yards for having too many men on the field, a penalty that normally occurs on special teams. "I am not going to speculate on that," Cowher said. "I don't know and I am not going to start anything in regards to that." Jacksonville Coach Tom Coughlin accused Browns DT Gerard Warren of a cheap shot on QB Mark Brunell this season.

Dan Reeves, whose 193 victories in 21 years is the most by an active coach, drew high praise yesterday from Cowher. "There are two guys in this league that I have tremendous respect for. Obviously, Marty Schottenheimer for what he has done over the years and the opportunity that he gave [me]. The second guy is Dan Reeves. For a guy to be a head coach in this business for over 20 years straight, trust me, that is a remarkable feat. This guy has accomplished a lot, and he has been there. You talk about gimmick plays we had last week, Dan to me is the guy who started all this stuff. He started it back there with John Elway and all the things he used to do with the shovel pass, and the flea-flicker. He is still doing it now with Mike Vick. ... He is the true dean of this league because he is a good football coach. It doesn't surprise me how well they are playing."

The Steelers re-signed LB Justin Kurpekis, released two weeks ago, and released TE Matt Cushing, signed two weeks ago. They also made a change on their practice squad. DB Erik Totten was re-signed, and C Matt Anderson was released.

The Steelers will honor Latrobe native Arnold Palmer at halftime Sunday for his 48-year career in golf. After his 48th consecutive Master's appearance in April, Palmer announced it would be his last competition at Augusta National. He won 62 PGA Tour events, 92 professional championships and seven major championships. He also won the U.S. Amateur in 1954. Said Steelers vice president Art Rooney II, "We felt it was the right time to ask Arnold to come be our guest at a Steelers game and allow the fans to show their appreciation to Arnold Palmer."