Coach Mike Tomlin did not rule out Roethlisberger practicing this week even though the Steelers have a first-round bye in the playoffs and won't play next weekend.

"To this point all tests are negative, which is a positive," Tomlin said after the Steelers beat the Browns for an 11th consecutive time to finish the season 12-4. "We're optimistic about where he's going to be capable of being. The bye is going to be helpful in regard to that."

Roethlisberger stayed down for more than 10 minutes after getting hit late in the second quarter by Browns linebackers D'Qwell Jackson and Willie McGinest. He was strapped to a headboard and carted off the playing surface at Heinz Field.

Roethlisberger gave the fans a thumbs-up before the cart exited the field. Tomlin said the headboard and cart were simply a precaution since it initially looked like Roethlisberger had sustained a significant concussion after hitting the back of his head.

"I'm pretty sure he'll be alright," running back Willie Parker said. "He was doing a lot of things they asked him to do. He doesn't have us in doubt or anything."

The Steelers continued their recent dominance of the Browns (4-12) thanks to a robust running game and stifling defense.

Parker rushed for 116 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries. His 34-yard touchdown run in the second quarter got the Steelers on the scoreboard and gave them all the points they would need.

The Steelers limited Browns quarterback Bruce Gradkowski to 18 passing yards and intercepted the Seton-La Salle High graduate twice. Tyrone Carter, who started for the injured Ryan Clark at free safety, had both of the interceptions.

He returned one of them 32 yards for a touchdown to cap the Steelers' scoring.