PLAYER NOTES

--CB Ike Taylor dropped another interception chance last Sunday, his fourth this season, but his 11 passes defensed lead the defense.

--LB James Farrior, 33, once again leads the defense by a wide margin in tackles with 103 and in solos with 70.

--SS Troy Polamalu's six interceptions are the most by a Steelers player since Rod Woodson, among the semifinalists for the Hall of Fame this year, intercepted six in 1996.

--RB Mewelde Moore's 33 receptions are the most by a Steelers back since Amos Zereoue's 40 in 2003. The team record is 51.

--CB Bryant McFadden will return to start on the left side for the first time since his right forearm was broken Oct. 19.

GAME PLAN: The top priority on their defense will be to stop the run, especially if Mario Barber is healthy. However, they likely will use a lot of nickel against the Cowboys' prolific passing attack, with linebacker Lawrence Timmons on tight end Jason Witten and a double team of Ike Taylor and a safety on Terrell Owens. On offense, they think they can run and throw on the Cowboys and will mix up Willie Parker and Mewelde Moore in the backfield.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Steelers LB Lawrence Timmons vs. Cowboys TE Jason Witten. Timmons plays the nickel and has the speed and quickness to stay with Witten.

Steelers LT Max Starks, who has done a nice job filling in for injured Marvel Smith, vs. Cowboys OLB DeMarcus Ware, the NFL leader with 15 sacks.

Steelers OLB James Harrison, who has 14 sacks, vs. Cowboys LT Flozell Adams.

INJURY IMPACT:

--QB Ben Roethlisberger, who stopped practicing with 20 minutes left in the period on Wednesday when he slipped on mud and slightly hurt his right knee, returned to practice Thursday.

--SS Troy Polamalu missed his second straight practice with a calf injury and his status is unknown. The injury went unnoticed because Polamalu played the entire game in New England and was not mentioned by coach Mike Tomlin as being hurt.

--DE Aaron Smith, who missed Wednesday's practice with a sore knee, practiced Thursday and will start. The defense already is missing starting DE Brett Keisel, out with a knee injury for the third straight game.