As expected, the team re-signed punter Mitch Berger, who was on the roster the first eight weeks of the season before being released because of a hamstring injury. Berger is averaging 41.9 yards on 42 punts (38.1 net yards) and beat out Paul Ernster for the job in training camp after starter Daniel Sepulveda suffered a season-ending knee injury. Ernster replaced Berger earlier this month, but averaged only 31.6 yards in three games, including 28.4 net yards on five punts last week against Cincinnati. After the game, coach Mike Tomlin termed Ernster's performance "horrible" and promised to address the punting situation. Berger, a Pro Bowl-selection in 2005 with the New Orleans Saints, will return as holder for kicker Jeff Reed.
? The team's top-ranked pass defense will be put to the test Sunday at New England . Patriots quarterback Matt Cassel has posted back-to-back 400-yard passing games for the first time in franchise history, including 415 yards in a 48-28 win against win against Miami. The Steelers have only allowed four 200-yard passing performances this season -- Houston's Matt Schaub (202 yards), Jacksonville's David Garrard (200), Washington's Jason Campbell (206) and Indianapolis' Peyton Manning (240).
? Coach Mike Tomlin is expected to address the injury situation today at his weekly news conference. Running back Willie Parker left the Cincinnati game in the third quarter after what Tomlin described as a tweak in his left knee ?-- the same knee that caused Parker to miss four games earlier this season. Defensive end Brett Keisel also left the game with a knee injury. The players have been off since Friday and didn't have to return to the team's South Side facility until today.
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