Willie Colon News

It has been quite a year for Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. In February, he entered the rarefied ranks of National Football League quarterbacks with two Super Bowl rings.

Ryan Clark practiced Thursday, but the Steelers' free safety is unlikely to suit up Monday night against the Broncos due to the life-threatening complications he suffered the last time he played in Denver.

By Teresa Varley Steelers.com After a morning meeting on Tuesday Steelers veterans were headed for five days of rest and relaxation as they were given off until Monday for their bye week.

Steelers' players will be scattered around the country over the next few days, enjoying some time off thanks to the bye week.

He won't make the chunky soup commercials, not to mention the fact when things go bad he'll come under high scrutiny.

When Mike Tomlin vaulted from the freshly ascended platform of Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator to head coach of the Steelers less than three years ago, Vikings defensive tackle Pat Williams was asked if he had any advice for the fellas in black and gold.

This is exactly why the Minnesota Vikings spent the summer trying to persuade Brett Favre to end his latest retirement: to run their offense, not be their offense.

Steelers players view Sunday's 1 p.m. game against the Minnesota Vikings at Heinz Field as their most important matchup since they defeated Tennessee in the opener.

For the past few years, the defensive line of the Minnesota Vikings has lived up to the marauding nature of their namesakes.

Ben Roethlisberger can be a hard quarterback to please. The Findlay native went 23-of-35 for 417 yards and two touchdowns in the Steelers' 27-14 victory over the Browns on Sunday afternoon.

It is hard to imagine Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians diagramming a run play such as the "Packers Sweep" legendary coach Vince Lombardi drew up more than 40 years ago.

The Steelers may be moving closer to the dilemma that offensive coordinator Bruce Arians said he would welcome: finding enough carries to keep running backs Rashard Mendenhall and happy and effective.

The Steelers' offensive line allowed Ben Roethlisberger to throw for 333 yards and two touchdowns Sunday against the Chargers.

Willie Parker missed Wednesday's practice with his turf toe injury, but said he wouldn't be much of a loss for the Steelers if he can't play this week against the Detroit Lions, "because we've got somebody to run the ball and run it effectively.

When the Steelers hit training camp they were in a quandary when it came to the offensive line.

Ben Roethlisberger's appearance on the WWE's "Monday Night Raw" telecast didn't register any ratings in Mike Tomlin's household - nobody watched.

If there was any concern that Rashard Mendenhall was replicating the failures of the last running back they selected in the first round, the Steelers were whistling this tune by the end of the first half Sunday night: Don't Worley.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger talked a good game as the guest host of a pro wrestling show but didn't get into a match, observers said.

So much for being in the doghouse. At least for a week, Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall is in the penthouse.

Michael Vick is back with Nike two years after the company severed ties over the quarterback's involvement in a dogfighting ring.