--RB Willie Parker practiced on Thursday but the Steelers still are not sure if he will play on Sunday. He has not played since his MCL was sprained in the third game of the season.

--OT Marvel Smith, who has not played since leaving the fourth quarter in Jacksonville with back spasms Oct. 5, did not practice again on Thursday. Max Starks would replace him.

--SS Troy Polamalu practiced for the second straight day after suffering a concussion on Sunday. He needs to pass a test on Saturday in order to be cleared by doctors.

--K Jeff Reed, 10-for-10, is one of four NFL kickers who have made at least 10 field goals and missed none.

--DE Aaron Smith continues to put pressure on the QB. He has two sacks and is tied with James Harrison for the team lead with 14 quarterback pressures.

--NT Casey Hampton practiced on Wednesday and is on schedule to start after missing the past three games with a groin injury.

--FB Carey Davis practiced and will return to play Sunday. Davis missed the past two games with a sprained ankle. TE Sean McHugh played FB in his absence.

GAME PLAN: The exotic blitzes likely will finally come out of the Steelers defense as they try to generate some heat on Eli Manning and not give him time to find Plaxico Burress. The Steelers have 25 sacks but have not really blitzed much. Offensively, they want to protect Ben Roethlisberger, who has been sacked 18 times, against a Giants defense that has 21 sacks, 18 by their line. Look for shorter drops and quicker passes.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Steelers 6-2 CB Ike Taylor vs. 6-5 1/2 Giants WR Plaxico Burress. The Steelers have not had Taylor shadow an opponent's best receiver, but they have in the past and this week might do it again.

Giants QB Eli Manning vs. Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger. While they won't be on the field at the same time, two of the three QBs drafted in the first 10 in 2004 will be a major storyline.

Steelers RT Willie Colon vs. Giants DE Justin Tuck. New RG Darnell Stapleton also will be tested because the Giants' best pass rusher moves inside on passing downs.

INJURY IMPACT: CB Bryant McFadden, who replaced Deshea Townsend as the starter on the left side, will miss at least five games after surgery to repair a broken right forearm. Townsend, who has been slowed by a bruised heel, will start and William Gay moves up to nickel back. ... SS Troy Polamalu practiced Thursday after tests cleared him following his seventh concussion playing football, first in two years. He needs to pass another test at the end of the week in order to play. ... LB Keyaron Fox, a key member of their special teams, will miss Sunday's game with a hamstring injury. ... LT Max Starks (back spasms) did not practice Wednesday after missing last week's game. Max Starks would replace him.