--Linebacker James Farrior, 33, wants to play in Pittsburgh beyond 2008, his last contract season. No talks, though, have taken place to extend his contract.

"I love this team, I want to be here," said Farrior, their defensive captain who has been team MVP and All-Pro during his time with them. "I want to finish my career here and I'm going to do everything possible to make that happen."

--The agent for tackle Marvel Smith said no talks are taking place with him with the Steelers' self-imposed deadline of Sept. 7 for any player to sign an extension.

"I guess we have four weeks to see if Marvel remains a Steeler after this year," said Ken Zuckerman, his agent.

--Rookie running back Rashard Mendenhall felt the sting of his first criticism in Pittsburgh, by coach Mike Tomlin. Mendenhall failed on three tries to score in his first live goal-line drill. The ball was placed just inside the 2 each time. Tomlin said Mendenhall had to "run harder," then eased his stance a few days later.

"It's a natural reaction to the overall intensity of the drill," Tomlin said. "It's something all rookies have to go through.

BATTLE OF THE WEEK: Justin Hartwig vs. Sean Mahan to become the starting C -- Hartwig outweighs Mahan by 15 pounds and has the edge because Mahan could not handle the big nose tackles last season. Mahan continues to run with the first team after two weeks and started in the first preseason game. However, Hartwig will start Thursday against Buffalo in a predetermined rotation.

OTHER BATTLE FRONTS: Lawrence Timmons vs. Larry Foote to start at ILB -- Timmons already has been installed over Foote in the nickel defense and had an outstanding first preseason game. ... Willie Parker vs. the Field to become the short-yardage back -- Parker wants it and only Gary Russell is better at it and Russell may not be active for games. ... Dallas Baker vs. Willie Reid to become the fifth WR -- Neither separated himself over the past week and a younger receiver could join the competition.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK: QB Ben Roethlisberger -- Roethlisberger looks as good as ever as he enters his fifth NFL season. He led his unit on an efficient 80-yard, eight-play touchdown drive to lead off the first preseason game against the Eagles. The only third down he faced on that drive came on the last play, when he checked off after seeing a blitz and tossed a quick, short strike to Santonio Holmes on the left and Holmes easily ran it in for a 19-yard TD. Ben was 2-for-2 for 38 yards on the drive.

ROOKIE REPORT: RB Rashard Mendenhall carried seven times for 34 yards in his preseason debut, one going for 15 yards. He also was the first man back on kickoffs, returning one of them for 28 yards. ... WR Limas Sweed caught three passes for 23 yards, his most impressive a 3-yarder over the middle in which he had to leap to catch it and was knocked head over heels, landing on his hand while holding onto the football. ... S Ryan Mundy was having a good first game until he left with a shin injury. ... LB Bruce Davis, who may be used in pass-rush situations this year, had two tackles, one for a loss, against the Eagles. ... QB Dennis Dixon played five minutes short of two full quarters after Charlie Batch was hurt in the second quarter. Dixon completed six of eight for 30 yards and guided his offense to a field goal that put the Steelers in front for good.

INJURY REPORT: QB Charlie Batch is out four-to-six weeks with a broken collarbone from Friday night's preseason opener.

S Troy Polamalu (hamstring) missed the first two weeks but could return soon; he opened on PUP.

P Daniel Sepulveda (ACL) had surgery Wednesday.

NT Casey Hampton was taken off PUP on Sunday and practiced for the first time.

Others who did not dress for the first preseason game were TE Cody Boyd, S Anthony Smith and DE Travis Kirschke, all with minor injuries.

Rookie S Ryan Mundy (shin) left the first preseason game.