PLAYER NOTES

--CB Anthony Madison might play the nickel on Sunday instead of newcomer Fernando Bryant, signed on Tuesday.

--RB Mewelde Moore might handle the kickoff return duties if Willie Parker starts at running back, although Gary Russell did a decent job on kickoff returns last week.

--WR Santonio Holmes will remain as the punt returner, even if Mewelde Moore does not start. Holmes has increased his average return to 6.6 yards.

--TE Matt Spaeth will make his second straight start because of a high ankle sprain to Heath Miller. Spaeth caught six passes against the Colts.

--LB James Harrison not only leads the Steelers with 11 sacks, but his 25 QB pressures are more than the next best two on the club combined.

--QB Ben Roethlisberger's 7.0 yards per attempt is the lowest of his career and nearly a full yard off last season's 7.8.

--RB Mewelde Moore's 22 receptions are just one short of Willie Parker's 23 from last season, which led all of their running backs.

--WR Hines Ward can have consecutive 100-yard games for the first time since 2002 when he had three in a row, the only time he did it consecutively in his career.

GAME PLAN: With Willie Parker back, Pittsburgh hopes to be able to run against San Diego but the Chargers are better at stopping the run than the pass, where they rank dead last in the league. On defense, they know they have to get some heat on Philip Rivers and blanket Antonio Gates.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Steelers C Justin Hartwig vs. Chargers NT Jamal Williams. Two years ago, Williams dominated the inside on the Steelers.

Chargers TE Antonio Gates vs. Steelers SS Troy Polamalu, LB James Farrior and/or LB Lawrence Timmons. Gates kills the Steelers.

Chargers KR Darren Sproles vs. Steelers improved kick coverage. The Steelers were terrible last season but have held foes to a long return of 40 yards and a 20.2 average.

INJURY IMPACT: The Steelers will be without CBs Deshea Townsend (hamstring) and Bryant McFadden (broken arm), TE Heath Miller (high ankle sprain) and LT Marvel Smith (back). William Gay will start at left cornerback because of the injuries and either Anthony Madison or newly signed Fernando Bryant will play the nickel. Matt Spaeth will make his second start for Miller. Max Starks has started the past four games for Smith.

--LB LaMarr Woodley returned to practice Thursday and should start Sunday. Woodley, second on the team with 9.5 sacks, missed last Sunday with a calf injury.