Smith had a diskechtomy in December to remove a herniated disk in his lower back that was jammed against a nerve. He said this spring that he felt great because of the surgery. But he left in the fourth quarter of the Steelers' game Oct. 5 at Jacksonville and has not played since.

Coach Mike Tomlin has said his recent back problems are not related to last year's.

"Marvel is still status quo," Tomlin said yesterday. Asked if he were going to have surgery, the coach said, "I don't know at this point."

Max Starks will make his sixth start tomorrow at left tackle in place of Smith.

Miller's return likely

Tight end Heath Miller likely will return to play against the Cincinnati Bengals after missing the past two games with a high ankle sprain.

Miller went through a full practice yesterday and is not on the injury report this week.

He would be the only player to return from the injured. Cornerbacks Bryant McFadden and Deshea Townsend remain out, although McFadden is practicing and shooting for a possible return next week.

"Really, we're a team in relatively good health at this time," Tomlin said. "We came out of Sunday evening's game pretty good."

Parker's short-yardage use

Willie Parker said after Sunday's game that he was not used in their one goal-line situation and in two short-yardage tries in the second half because the Steelers were trying to protect his injured shoulder.

Tomlin laughed about that one.

"I didn't have that conversation with Willie Parker. Maybe his running-back coach did. I am for ringing up the scoreboard, and if Willie can get in there, I am going to hand it to him."

Baker on practice squad

Wide receiver Dallas Baker, cut by the Steelers Saturday so they could add rookie defensive back Roy Williams to the roster, was signed to the practice squad.